Verizon is converting their network from copper to fiber
The FCC recently passed a regulation allowing Verizon to retire (i.e., “eliminate”) copper services from their facilities in the State of Maryland. Verizon has started this process and will continue to switch over their services throughout 2017 and 2018. Learn more about the Network changes in Maryland. See a schedule outlining the dates and locations that Verizon will be retiring their copper network on the east coast.
How the copper retirement affects you
Most telecom service providers use copper loops leased from Verizon to deliver phone and Internet services. As of now and over the next few years, Verizon is going to replace all copper facilities with fiber infrastructure. The new fiber facilities usually reduce maintenance by up to 80% and allow for the delivery of faster Internet speeds. The conversion will happen gradually where fiber is available.
GTB customers who are affected by the service change will receive notices a few months before the required conversion date. To avoid service interruptions, customers in the affected areas will have to upgrade to GTB’s alternative fiber-based products and services before the recommended due date. Eventually, all services over copper will be disconnected and the copper loops will be removed. The change will allow GTB customers to receive a higher quality service, which can include bundling Hosted PBX Phone Solutions, High Speed Internet Access and Cyber Security.
What GTB can do to help
For the past 25 years, GTB has provided a variety of High Speed Internet Access with Cyber Security and managed Business Phone Solutions. Headquartered in Baltimore, we provide local customer care to companies in Maryland, DC and Northern VA. Rather than find multiple providers for each service, we also make acquiring and managing these services easier by providing a “one- stop- shop” experience that includes virtually all of the technology services required to run your company. If you are currently a customer of GTB and utilize copper for some or all of your telecom services, we are already in the process of converting you to Fios or Fiber. If you are new to GTB, we offer a free assessment of your phone and Internet systems to see if we can save you money and/or make this transition easy for you. Learn more about our High Speed Internet Access.
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Related: Getting High Speed Internet and Fiber-Based Service, How to Test Your Internet Speed and Know Which Speed You Need, and Best High Speed Internet – How to shop for what you actually need