ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. — Verizon is seeking approval from the Federal Communications Commission to phase out traditional copper-based landline service in parts of Virginia and Delaware, including Accomack County.
Verizon has begun notifying some customers that the company could phase out copper service in the county on or after October 23, 2026, pending FCC approval.
Customers affected by the transition could be offered other options, including fiber, cable or wireless service.
Some Accomack County neighbors say they are concerned about losing their landlines, particularly in areas where cellular coverage can be unreliable.
Dianne Justis of Onancock says cell service can be difficult to rely on during storms or power outages.
“The biggest concern is not having access," Justis said. "If there's a storm and the cell phone towers are not working, which happens, and the electric's not working, landline might be the only savior."
Clifford Savage of Exmore says some of his family members rely on landlines because cell phones do not work in all areas.
“It would concern me because I have family members that live on the back roads close to the water," Savage told WBOC. "And their landline is their only means of communication, because the cell phones don't work in all areas."
Lauren Peterson, a spokesperson for Verizon, says customers will not be moved off copper service if a suitable replacement is not available.
“If there is not fiber or wireless in that area, they're not going to be transitioned at this time,” Peterson said.
Accomack County Administrator Mike Mason says the county wants more discussion about how the transition could affect rural communities and what alternatives will be available to them.
“We hope that the FCC may extend the public comment period," Mason said. "We think there needs to be more discussion about this, particularly in rural counties like Accomack."
Mason is expected to brief the Accomack County Board of Supervisors Wednesday night on the proposed transition. He says he has also asked Verizon to have a company representative attend a future board meeting.
The FCC is considering Verizon’s request as part of the company’s effort to move away from its older copper network. Verizon says customers will continue to have phone service through an FCC-approved alternative where one is available.
