Groups alarmed that Verizon is ending standalone DSL

A number of small telecommunications companies and consumer groups sent a letter to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski expressing alarm at Verizon's recent announcement that it will discontinue installing so-called "naked," or standalone, DSL Internet service as of May 6, 2012.

Existing Verizon "naked DSL" customers who make changes to their service plans will lose their DSL service as a result. Customers will not be able to move their service to a new location. The letter is signed by representatives from small telcos like Access Humboldt and consumer groups like Public Knowledge and Consumers Union. The letter implores Chairman Genachowski to see "that the commission work with Verizon to explore its planned discontinuance of standalone DSL and, if possible, to delay the implementation of a policy that would further reduce the affordability and availability of broadband services to consumers." One reason for delay is that there already is an open FCC proceeding investigating the effects of bundling on prices and competition for telecom services. While the docket has been inactive since 2005, it remains open for public comment.