Summary
1. We have been talking about it for quite some time that Verizon has long wanted to rid itself of as many copper POTS lines as possible. 2. They did not tend to be moneymakers for the carrier. 3. So, in addition to its wireless operation, it is turning more into “a broadband and video service” provider.
Analysis
Right on the heels of Comcast’s announcement that it “has become the third largest residential phone services provider in the U.S,” Verizon seems to be responding that it is looking to not really being a telco anymore. At the conference mentioned in the source article, Verizon emphasized the restrictions of its copper plant to offer broadband services. After a quarter of a century has gone by when it was part of one Bell system, it appears that the word, “phone,” may have indeed become a discredited term. It was used only once in Verizon’s prepared remarks at the event. Conversely, in the Comcast press release, the MSO was obviously proud to use it almost 20 times.
Verizon has had large quantities of its copper lines up for sale for a long time. These territories go well beyond those sold to FairPoint.
