how to get copper phone line with FIOS internet
boyarsky
Enthusiast - Level 2

Up until last week, I had DSL and a copper land line.  I upgraded my internet (data) from DSL to FIOS Internet.  I was told by several people at Verizon that I could keep my copper land line and just upgrade the data.  FIOS Internet and copper phone worked for a couple hours on Friday afternoon (which proves it is possible).  Then Verizon turned off the DSL and the copper phone.  They switched me to FIOS phone against my will.

After much discussion with manty Verizon reps over the past few days, I've learned that they fall into several categories:

  1. claiming I already have copper working (I don't) because my phone plan is a copper plan (Regional Essentials)
  2. claiming it is impossible to have copper phone and FIOS at the same time
  3. forwarding me to someone else

It sounds to me like Verizon doesn't want you to have copper working at the same time as FIOS Internet because they want you to use FIOS for everything.  I'm really frustrated with the inconsistency of responses.  And them telling me it is impossible to have both given that they were both physically working on Friday.

Any ideas on what I can do to pursue this?  I feel like Verizon wants me to rollback to DSL and give them less money as the alternative to keep my copper phone line!

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Re: how to get copper phone line with FIOS internet
gs0b
Community Leader
Community Leader

While I can't offer you a specific suggestion on how to get Verizon to provide both copper and FiOS service, I can ask why do you want that?

Fiber is superior to copper in all respects except one, and that's power.  Copper requires constant maintenance in the field to protect against corrosion.  It and attached equipment can be damaged by lightning and other electrical problems.

Yes, copper provides power to premise equipment while fiber doesn't.  However, this isn't as big a deal as it seems.  Both copper and fiber require power at the central office to work.  If CO power fails, both fail.  Copper can have amplifiers or line concentrators between the CO and the premise, which require power and a backup power source.

Fiber does require a backup battery on the premise, but nowhere else in the system.  If the normal battery in a FiOS ONT isn't big enough for your needs, you can add more battery power in the form of an external battery or UPS.  With FiOS, the only power is at the CO and the premise.  You control how much backup is on your premise.  If you're on a copper line with powered equipment, the line is only as reliable as the smallest battery.  You have no control over that.  Of course, if CO power fails both copper and fiber will stop working.

Now, couple that with the cold hard fact that Verizon is trying to get rid of copper wherever they can and ask yourself if you really want to hang onto a technology that is under-supported and not as advanced.

Good Luck.

Re: how to get copper phone line with FIOS internet
boyarsky
Enthusiast - Level 2

Yes, for extended service in a power outage.  The Central Office has a generator.  During power outages growing up, the phone always worked in a power outage, even the long ones.  During the two hurricanes we had in NYC over the past few years, copper worked.  And the power outages due to Sandy were WAY longer than the 8 hours Verizon tells you their battery backup gives you.

I realize copper won't be around forever.  But it worked a couple days ago so it's not like it doesn't exist right now.   I resent that Verizon told me I could have my desired configuration and is now making it as difficult as possible to make it happen. If it wasn't a choice, i should have been told that up front and been able to make an informed decision.

Re: how to get copper phone line with FIOS internet
boyarsky
Enthusiast - Level 2

I've declared defeat.  Verizon mailed me one free backup battery in exchange for all my complaining.

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Re: how to get copper phone line with FIOS internet
thetrain1
Enthusiast - Level 2

I am having the same experience now and it is an absolute nightmare.  I've talked to over 20 people at V erizon so far without resolution.  I am in earthquake country and, like the users above, had an experience where copper worked when nothing else did.  It's a safety issue.  And when I got 15/5 Fios internet, multiple agents told me I could keep copper.  Of course they disconnected it.

Now, I want to rollback to what I had - I am in my cancellation period - but they wont give me the copper back.  Hours and hours of time on the phone, I am reaching my wits end - but I am going to keep fighting.  30 more minutes tto write a letter to the state boards, CEO of Verizon, Governor of CA and anyone else I can think of.  Again this is simply about Verizon delivering what they promised - not what is convenient or cost effective for THEM.

If I dont get the copper back, then there's no point in being with Verizon, I never want to speak to them again.  We'll cancel everything and stick with exisitng interent connection, and get IP phones.

Re: how to get copper phone line with FIOS internet
LawrenceC
Moderator Emeritus

Hi thetrain,

Your issue has been escalated to a Verizon agent. Before the agent can begin assisting you, they will need to collect further information from you. Please go to your profile page for the forum and look at the top of the middle column where you will find an area titled "My Support Cases". You can reach your profile page by clicking on your name beside your post, or at the top left of this page underneath the title of the board.

Under "My Support Cases" you will find a link to the private board where you and the agent may exchange information. This should be checked on a frequent basis, as the agent may be waiting for information from you before they can proceed with any actions. To ensure you know when they have responded to you, at the top of your support case there is a drop down menu for support case options. Open that and choose "subscribe". Please keep all correspondence regarding your issue in the private support portal.

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Re: how to get copper phone line with FIOS internet
ramsey76
Contributor - Level 1

My standard response is to file a complaint state public utilities commission .   Many state PUC's  have stand complaint forms  on their website

Second send a copy to your local state senator and your state representative

if you feeling like wasting your time you can write to Verizon senior management.   I would recommend writing to the State President

Do not give Verizon the option they to state they had no complaints on your topic

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Re: how to get copper phone line with FIOS internet
DreadedCustomer
Contributor - Level 1

In a nutshell, they lie...

Once FIOS is established in your neighborhood. They do everything in their power to remove all landlines including removing the bundling option when you go to renew your contract, letting the lines degrade to the point that you have no choice, etc.

I have a copper line, FIOS internet, and two cell phones on one bill. I was told by an agent last month that she could extend the contract and keep the bundle that included the copper landline and FIOS internet.

Within 15 minutes the copper line goes dead.  I discover that I was now scheduled to be changed from the landline to FIOS phone. The change was made, it took three days of calls a complaint to the FCC and a lawyer was brought in that I'm not sure if she had anything to do with Verizon agreeing to switch me back on the third day or not.

I receive a call a week or so later where the FCC had finally contacted them and I told them it had been resolved.

Then, today, I discover my phone bill has gone from $200 to $230 even after dropping FIOS Quantum...

I am, now, researching other options including other companies...

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Re: how to get copper phone line with FIOS internet
thetrain1
Enthusiast - Level 2

2.5 weeks without a dial tone and counting.  I am talking to an individual at Verizon who is sincerely trying to help and says the copper will be brought back.  But I am days away from going the FCC-State board route.  At least 25 different conversations and counting, probably close to six hours on the phone.  If I cant get back what I had, have no reason to stay with any verizon service, will be going with an IP phone and TWC internet.


@DreadedCustomer wrote:

In a nutshell, they lie...

Once FIOS is established in your neighborhood. They do everything in their power to remove all landlines including removing the bundling option when you go to renew your contract, letting the lines degrade to the point that you have no choice, etc.

I have a copper line, FIOS internet, and two cell phones on one bill. I was told by an agent last month that she could extend the contract and keep the bundle that included the copper landline and FIOS internet.

Within 15 minutes the copper line goes dead.  I discover that I was now scheduled to be changed from the landline to FIOS phone. The change was made, it took three days of calls a complaint to the FCC and a lawyer was brought in that I'm not sure if she had anything to do with Verizon agreeing to switch me back on the third day or not.

I receive a call a week or so later where the FCC had finally contacted them and I told them it had been resolved.

Then, today, I discover my phone bill has gone from $200 to $230 even after dropping FIOS Quantum...

I am, now, researching other options including other companies...


Re: how to get copper phone line with FIOS internet
Verizon_Support
Customer Service Rep

Hello thetrain,

Unfortunately due to non response we will close the private thread. If you still need help with getting in contact with the Specialist or ever need anything else, please let us know in a new public thread.

Thank you,
-Jeramy

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