Verizon Withdraws Request to Replace Landlines with “Voice Link” after Buchwald Press Conference

Assemblyman David Buchwald (D-Westchester) announced that Verizon has withdrawn their application to New York State’s Public Service Commission to exclusively provide “Voice Link” in parts of the State. Verizon’s turnabout came two days after Assemblyman Buchwald, along with Lewisboro's Police Chief, the AARP, local officials and advocates urged residents of the Towns of Lewisboro and North Salem to be aware of Verizon’s efforts to allow the replacement of copper-wire landlines with a Voice Link product that in many respects provides reduced service.

Voice Link routes all calls through a cellular network. Under an application by Verizon to the State’s Public Service Commission – which has now been effectively withdrawn – consumers could have been forced to accept Voice Link exclusively and be cut off from their copper-wire lines. The proposed changes presented risks of poor reception and miscommunication with 911 emergency responders, especially since the Voice Link service is connected to the regular power grid. In addition, Voice Link does not work with fax machines, medical alert bracelets, credit card machines, DSL internet services, and some home security alarm systems. The attendees at the press conference noted numerous times how public safety, particularly during emergencies and for seniors, could be affected and how small businesses could be impacted

At the press conference on Monday September 9th, residents were urged to write to the Public Service Commission about Verizon’s application before the Public Comment deadline of September 13th. Dozens of Lewisboro and North Salem residents did so. Verizon filed an amendment to its Public Service Commission application on Wednesday September 11th that eliminated its request to offer Voice Link as an exclusive service in parts of the New York State. There is still a possibility Voice Link could be offered as one of a range of options for the area. Consumers will hopefully have the information they need to make a truly informed decision on their telecommunication service.

“At the beginning of this week, I stood alongside Police Chief Secret, local leaders and community advocates urging residents to write to the Public Service Commission about Verizon’s Voice Link product, and now I’m pleased to announce that Verizon’s application to the PSC has been effectively withdrawn,” said Assemblyman Buchwald. “What we achieved was giving our residents choice - no one should be forced to accept a service that has emergency response and public health complications, especially our seniors. I’m proud to be part of a community that responded to an issue of importance by speaking with a singular voice, and I’m very pleased that there was a speedy, successful outcome for Lewisboro and North Salem residents as a result.”

“The people of our town rely on landline service for basic reception, emergency services, and to operate small businesses,” said Lewisboro Supervisor Peter Parsons. “The withdrawal of Verizon’s application to the PSC makes us more at ease that those important services won’t be taken away. I trust that this decision by Verizon represents a genuine commitment to timely maintenance of their copper infrastructure. We should all thank Assemblyman Buchwald for bringing this issue to our attention here in Lewisboro, and for advocating action that led to swift results for the public safety of our residents.”

“AARP thanks Assemblyman Buchwald for his efforts to ensure the voices of New Yorkers are heard in this potential life-and-death issue," said Beth Finkel, State Director for AARP in New York. “Traditional telephone service is a basic necessity, and customers across New York must be able to rely on personal emergency-alert technologies such as Life Alert, medical-monitoring devices and home-security systems. Voice Link, in most instances, doesn’t support these crucial technologies, and we’re glad Verizon is moving to offer other options in New York that do. These are positive developments and steps in the right direction for New York consumers.”