A state advocate who represents utility customers announced that Verizon is confusing its users while transitioning from copper wire landline to fiber optic broadband. The Division of Rate Counsel has ordered the FCC to temporarily suspend Verizon’s copper network transition.

Rate Counsel Director Stefaine Brand traced letters sent by Verizon to customers that are trying to force customers into FiOS and frightening them to disconnect copper-wire service if they are unable to accomplish Verizon’s deadline within 45 days.

Brand said, “I think the future is certainly with new technology, but the problem is you just can’t do it. You have to do it with the way that doesn’t leave the most vulnerable parts of the population out in the cold. If you are not providing copper service, you have to provide other services that maintain the ability of everyone else to have a telephone.”

Verizon’s spokesperson Lee Gierczynski stated that Verizon works closely with its users in such areas where the transition takes place to FiOS including letters, postcards, and automated phone calls. He also added “where Verizon has transitioned customers from the copper network to the fiber optic network we closely work with customers to communicate with them what Verizon is doing and why we’re doing it to ensure the transition is a positive experience for them.”

The FCC has proposed new rules regarding copper wire on August 6. According to those latest rules, providers ought to notify retail customers regarding the retirement of the plan within three months.