The FCC should clarify the process for discontinuing...

The FCC should clarify the process for discontinuing telecom services before the next hurricane season, Public Knowledge Senior Vice President Harold Feld told an aide to Commissioner Mike O'Rielly June 25, said an ex parte filing (http://bit.ly/1lOtxc5) posted to docket 12-353 Monday. Feld expressed concern the commission has not ruled on a Communications Act Section 214(a) process for Verizon’s request to discontinue telecom services in Mantoloking, New Jersey, after Superstorm Sandy. “This has become increasingly important due to reports about copper in certain areas that is no longer being repaired, and that carriers are (a) shifting customers to wireless service, or (b) moving customers to copper while it’s continuing Title II TDM service and requiring customers to take “digital voice” service which is not yet classified, wrote Feld. He said “these reports combined with commission inaction have the potential to leave an increasing number of residents without access to basic phone service."