Verizon’s proposal to replace wireline services on a portion...
Verizon’s proposal to replace wireline services on a portion of Fire Island, N.Y., with its Voice Link fixed wireless service concerns the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials, it said in comments Monday (http://bit.ly/12YtOfJ). “APCO’s principal concern in this regard is…
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to ensure that all subscribers in the affected area have 9-1-1 service comparable to the wireline service being replaced,” it said. While it “takes no position” on Verizon’s specific request, APCO urged the commission to take into account the inferior level of reliability of wireless services compared to copper wireline services. They're susceptible to disruptions from extreme weather, and damage to a single cell site could “leave large numbers of customers stranded,” APCO said. “If the Commission grants Verizon’s request, it should require that Verizon take appropriate steps to increase the reliability of the wireless networks used for Voice Link communications in the impacted areas,” APCO said. For example, cell sites could be “hardened and equipped with substantial backup power,” additional cell sites added, and 911 calls be given priority, the association said.