Frontier’s Network Modernization: Built for What’s Next
The way people connect is changing, and we’re changing with it. Across the country, Frontier, a Verizon Company, is modernizing our networks and transitioning customers from legacy copper infrastructure to modern communications technologies built for how people live, work, and stay safe today. Whether you’re a residential customer, a small business, or an organization that depends on a Frontier line, we’ve built this process with you in mind. Explore our FAQs to learn more.
Why did I receive a letter?
Frontier sent letters to customers who receive voice service over copper as part of its application to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to modernize its network.
What is Frontier asking the FCC to do?
Frontier, on behalf of its Verizon and Frontier affiliates, is seeking authority to discontinue what is known as plain old telephone service (“POTS”) over copper for customers who have access to an FCC-approved replacement service such as fiber or wireless service.
Is my service being disconnected?
Not until an FCC-approved replacement service is available at your location.
How will I know if my service will be impacted?
If your copper service will be impacted, we will mail you a letter well in advance. It will provide all the details you need, along with a clear timeline to help you smoothly transition to an FCC-approved service option.
Does that mean I will no longer have voice service?
Absolutely not. Customers will continue to have access to reliable voice service, including for emergency communications, during and following the completion of this effort. We will work with customers directly to find these alternatives and ensure they stay connected. Before reaching out to our customers with transition details, we will verify that an FCC-approved replacement voice service is available at the customer’s location.
I’m concerned about my wireless coverage.
We will not discontinue your existing copper voice service if you do not have access to an FCC-approved replacement service option.
Can I keep my phone number?
Yes. You can port your phone number to another service provided by Frontier, a Verizon service, or another service provider.
What replacement services are available?
Replacement options may include service over fiber-optic lines in some areas, and in other areas Frontier may offer a replacement service that preserves a familiar landline experience using the customers’ existing home phone on Verizon’s award-winning wireless network. Verizon’s mobile wireless service may also be an option. Verizon is proud to have built the nation’s best wireless network, setting the highest bar for quality and reliability. Verizon’s wireless network covers 99% of the U.S. population.
Can I choose other options?
Yes. Customers are free to explore the numerous other service alternatives available.
What about access to 911?
Emergency services, including 911 services, will continue to perform seamlessly over our modern networks.
If I don’t have copper, how will my service work if there’s a power outage?
The equipment that will be provided to customers who transition to Frontier fiber or Verizon’s fixed wireless POTS voice replacement services will include battery backup using commercially available replaceable batteries to allow for continued use during commercial power outages.
Why are you taking this action?
We are seeking to invest in the future by replacing copper-based services with more modern, capable, resilient, and secure alternatives. Maintaining an aging, parallel copper network diverts crucial resources away from future investment. Copper infrastructure is many decades old, highly vulnerable to severe weather, and an increasing target for theft and vandalism. This network is not capable of supporting the robust, data-intensive uses that today’s customers demand. Every dollar spent patching the old copper network is a dollar diverted from building the robust, modern networks that residents actually want and will use. Transitioning to modern technologies will allow Frontier to improve reliability, reduce unnecessary network duplication, lower environmental impacts, and recycle valuable materials for productive use.