CWA says Verizon has neglected Maryland's copper network

The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union examined Verizon's network equipment in areas of Maryland where it has not built out FTTH FiOS service and only offers copper-based DSL and POTS voice services. In its investigation, CWA reported there are a number locations "that are so damaged as to impact service quality."

Amongst the various issues it cited were poles that were damaged, unsecured and broken, damaged and exposed cable and splice terminals, bypassed damaged cable, and equipment that shows evidence of damage caused by animals. CWA said in a statement that "Verizon's systemic underinvestment in its traditional landline network violates the terms of the alternative form of regulation that the company is currently operating under."