Verizon to phase out copper landline phone service

Press release

Verizon to phase out copper-based landline phone service

Verizon has provided notice to discontinue the traditional copper-based landline phone service. Verizon expects approval by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on or after October 23, 2026.

What this notice means for Madison County residents

Verizon plans to discontinue traditional copper-based landline phone services to transition its customers to fiber-based phone service or a mobile wireless phone device.

Madison County officials are concerned

• Lack of cell service – Throughout the county there is either very weak cell service, or no cell service signal exists.
• Fiber-to-home connections – Fiber-to-home connections currently do not exist in all areas of Verizon’s existing copper-based landline service area, which leaves citizens without options prior to discontinuance of the copper-based landline phone service.
• 911 emergencies during power outages – Current copper-based landline phone service provides phone service during power outages. Alternative devices rely solely on battery backup during power outages that normally last 24 hours or less.
• Medical alerts – Legacy medical alert units and alarm systems may not work over wireless units.

How citizens can voice their concerns

The FCC allows residents and local governments to submit their comments pertaining to the proposed phaseout of copper-based landline phone service. Comments are required to be filed within 15 days of the FCC issuing public notice. This notice has yet to occur. Please watch the county website for future details.

Citizens can submit comments to the FCC by:

• Submit comments to FCC: Visit the FCC Electronic Filing System at www.fcc.gov/ecfs.
• Provide reference: Provide the Verizon discontinuance docket number (this has not been assigned at this time; continue to watch the county website for more details).
• Explain your situation: Share specific details of your concerns, such as lack of cell phone coverage or signal at your location, frequency of power outages, and any medical-related device or alert concerns.

For residents who need assistance from the county

If residents rely solely on their copper-based landline phone service due to the lack of cell coverage at your location, please contact the County Administration Office at 540-948-6700 or email Kim Turner at kturner@madisonco.virginia.gov so that the county can document coverage gaps in our efforts to make an official filing with the FCC.