Committee reviews bill requiring notice, backup-power reporting as phone networks shift from copper to fiber

Maria Royal, Legislative Counsel, told the committee H.898 addresses telephone companies transitioning legacy copper networks to fiber and aims to ensure customers are informed and protected. "This has to do with telephone companies that are transitioning their old legacy copper networks to fiber-based networks," she said, framing the bill's intent to require notice, information on service types and customer rights, and consumer safeguards during the transition.

The bill’s findings state that when a carrier moves from a copper-based network to a fiber-based network, it is "critical to ensure that existing customers have continued access to high quality reliable telecommunication service" and that the shift may affect reliability, consumer choice and access to emergency services, particularly for older adults and medically dependent customers. Committee members noted that fiber-based…