In the most densely populated state in the nation, it is unfathomable that there are still areas totally reliant upon decades-old copper telephone lines for communication.
By Greg Facemyer and Joe Derella
Can you imagine trying to conduct business in today's world with no high-speed Internet access, no cellular phone service, and landline telephone service that fails during wet weather? This is exactly the state of affairs in many rural communities, and this is exactly why 16 South Jersey municipalities have filed a petition for relief from the state Board of Public Utilities. Our very future is at stake!
In the most densely populated state in the nation, it is unfathomable that there are still areas totally reliant upon decades-old copper telephone lines for communication. This is not by choice, but by default because there are no alternatives in many of these areas. There is no fiber optic wire or cable TV wire for high-speed Internet access or Internet telephone line service, and cellular service is nonexistent or spotty at best. Our under-served areas are saddled with antiquated and deteriorating copper-based infrastructure. We are on the dark side of the digital divide.
Contrast this with the other side of the digital divide, affluent areas with fiber-based infrastructure where people and businesses can access the Internet at data speeds exceeding the federal standard, as well as communicate via mobile smart devices.
With such advanced technologies at their fingertips in these areas, it can be hard to relate to the inability in our towns to make or receive a phone call on a rainy day; to transfer large data files; to watch a YouTube video; to complete certain homework assignments.
Recent agreements between Verizon NJ and the BPU effectively ensure our under- served communities will remain in this technological abyss.
The first agreement, approved in April 2014, releases Verizon from its Opportunity NJ commitment to deliver broadband throughout the state. This ensures Verizon will not have to string another road mile of fiber optic (FiOs) wire. The company will decide which Internet access medium to deploy if enough demand is demonstrated. Their choice, of course, will be wireless-only access that is more expensive for customers.
The second agreement, approved this May, effectively deregulates basic land-line telephone service. It includes a sunset provision regarding the very service quality standards that hold the provider to its statutory obligation to provide "safe, adequate, and proper service."
Both agreements are based on the flawed premise that competitive telecommunications services are available throughout the state. This premise fails to recognize that Verizon still operates as a monopoly in areas of deficiency.
The combination of these agreements is a death blow to South Jersey. Not only will these areas of deficiency not be brought into the 21st century, the continued neglect of deteriorating copper landlines will eventually relegate these areas to the 19th century.
There is so much opportunity on the horizon, but it is available only to those on the right side of the digital divide. Experts agree that fiber optic wire will spur innovation throughout the 21st century. But the state has given Verizon the key to our economic future, and Verizon wants to deliver only the higher-bill wireless solution to the poorest areas. Our laws, regulations, and economic incentives need to change and correct this reality. We call on our state and federal leaders to support us in this effort.
We have been both frustrated and amused by Verizon's response to our underserved communities, likening us to the Anti-Digit Dialing League of the 1950s, and initiating a public perception of wire-huggers clinging to dated landline technology. Elected officials are charged with ensuring equal opportunity for all constituents, affluent and poor alike.
Equal opportunity in today's connected world means equal access to critical integrated technologies; that is, fiber optic wire to every home and business, with a consistent and reliable wireless overlay. Only then will we, as publicly elected leaders, be able to deliver 21st century jobs, education, health care, public safety and agricultural sustainability.
Yes, we are wire-huggers, and we insist on well-maintained copper landlines until they are replaced with the fiber optic wire that will spur innovation and job creation for our economically depressed areas.
Greg Facemyer is a member of the Hopewell Township Committee. Joe Derella is the director of the Cumberland County freeholder board. The petition seeking BPU review of Verizon service was filed by municipalities in Gloucester, Cumberland, Salem and Atlantic counties.
