House Energy panel pushes for clearer notices after Vidium’s petition to end copper voice service

The House Energy and Digital Infrastructure committee on Jan. 14 heard Department of Public Service testimony about Vidium/Consolidated’s petition to discontinue legacy copper voice service and agreed to pursue a committee bill to require clearer notice to regulators and consumers.

Hunter Thompson, director of telecommunications at the Department of Public Service, told the committee the department supports the technological shift from copper to fiber as a way to expand telehealth and online commerce but has repeatedly flagged concerns about how companies notify affected customers. "The department is in favor of the transition from copper to fiber," Thompson said, adding that the department’s principal issue is ensuring effective communications with customers during the migration.

The department has previously commented in a related docket (case…