Protecting Consumers during the Telephone Network Modernization

Neal Walters

AARP Public Policy Institute

Published October 31, 2017

As telecommunication companies transition away from traditional copper wire landline phone networks to new technologies such as VOIP and fixed wireless service, regulatory protections are needed to ensure that the transitions do not jeopardize public safety and voice connections. Key protections include notification standards so consumers know in advance their service will change and any possible consequences of the change. Also, new technologies must meet reliability standards to ensure consumers have access to the same level of service or better, and service must maintain affordability so consumers are not priced out of the market.

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