Verizon explores phasing out copper wiring

New York-based telecom services provider Verizon has reportedly asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to discontinue using copper wiring in parts of the northeastern United States.

An early September online article from London-based Channel Partners indicates Verizon has asked the FCC for permission to retire the use of copper wiring in parts of New England and parts of the states of New York and Pennsylvania. The telecom firm would provide services that formerly relied upon copper wiring completely with fiber optic technology.

If Verizon receives permission to do this, the company says it would begin making the switchover as early as December of this year.

“After the retirement, Verizon will no longer offer services via copper facilities and cease maintaining them,” states the online article.