The FCC is asking for comment on Verizon’s applications to discontinue some domestic telecommunications services in parts of New Jersey and New York affected by Hurricane Sandy. The services include interstate interexchange and exchange access services and three copper-based special access services. Comments are due by July 29, 2013.
Background
In June, 2013, Verizon New York and Verizon New Jersey jointly filed two applications to discontinue some domestic telecommunications services in areas affected by Hurricane Sandy. The affected areas include the western and central region of Fire Island in New York and portions of the barrier island communities of Bay Head, Brick, and Mantoloking in New Jersey.
Verizon asserts that:
- the copper wireline facilities used to provide services in those areas were destroyed or rendered inoperable by the Hurricane; and
- new deployment of wireline facilities in the affected areas would be impractical because the repair or replacement of damaged facilities “would require significant work” and “exacerbate existing infrastructure issues, and would delay the restoration of service for many customers for several months.”
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