Protecting Consumers during the Telephone Network Modernization

Neal Walters

AARP Public Policy Institute

Updated October 31, 2017

Published October 31, 2017

/ Updated 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.

MORE FROM AARP

Physical Banks and Credit Unions Preferred

Regardless of age, adults prefer physical banks, and they want banks to provide more fraud protections, according to a recent AARP Research survey.

The Fraud Experience in Indigenous Communities

New AARP-sponsored research explores the vulnerability of American Indian and Alaska Native communities to fraudulent activities.

PACT Act Fraud: Veterans and Service Members Targeted

Criminals target veterans and service members for PACT Act fraud because they have stable salaries and benefits. Many are unaware of the PACT Act benefit.

The Scope of Elder Financial Exploitation: What It Costs Victims

In this paper, using a first of-its-kind methodology to measure the annual financial cost of EFE in the United States, we find that victims over age 60 lost $28.3 billion.

Americans Are Aware of Fraud But Remain Vulnerable

Most Americans (81%) ages 50 and older believe scams and fraud have reached a crisis level, but their awareness of fraud using payment apps is lacking.