On 9/28/09 06:24 , Nick Danger wrote:
D. Peter Maus wrote:

They're moving to bundled voice-internet-TV. When ATT installs
U-Verse, around here, the first thing they do is cut the copper. In
many cases, if possible, they remove the drop line from the pole, so
the pair can't be reactivated. Verizon cuts the copper when they
install FiOS. Comcast cuts ATT's copper when they install their bundle.

The intent is eventually to have fibre installed to the house.

ATT sent representatives into my neighborhood going door to door to
inform customers that they were removing copper pair, and suggesting
that all customers move to U-Verse. I told them to pound sand. I was
informed that my copper would remain intact for the time being. But
that it was to be phased out in the coming year and I would have no
choice but to install a ComCast or U-Verse bundle.

When I informed them I had a T-1 and was not interested in either
cable or their data service, I was told in no uncertain terms that I
don't get a choice in the matter when the time comes. And that
landline service would ONLY be available with a cable-internet bundle.

Yet another reason to stay with copper all the way to the C.O.:

Power.

With copper, you get talk battery from the C.O. and the C.O. has a large
battery supply and a Diesel turbine/generator to keep those batteries
charged -- and keep your phone service going when you need 9-1-1.

If you get phone service from the U-verse V-rad (video remote access
device) or from a neighborhood SLC (subscriber loop carrier), you only
have a few hours of local battery until you lose dial tone. If you have
a -localized- power failure, the telco can dispatch someone with new
batteries or a temporary generator. However, if it is a MAJOR power
failure like we had a few years ago, there aren't enough employees with
generators to go around. You are screwed, while the guy on copper still
has service.


Precisely my thinking. Even my T-1 has battery voltage on it, to
power the SmartJack.

It's unconscionable that local phone would be so dependent on
local power.