California consumer group files complaint against Verizon on 'forced' IP conversions

Verizon Communications is forcing customers in southern California to move from traditional telephone service to voice over IP or wireless services, The Utility Reform Network (TURN), a consumer advocacy group, said in a complaint filed with the state.

Verizon, in its "forced migration," is ignoring state and federal laws requiring it to provide telephone services to California residents, TURN said in a complaint with the California Public Utilities Commission. The telecom carrier is ignoring requests for repair of its existing copper-based network and forcing customers to VoIP service over Verizon's FiOS broadband service, TURN said in its complaint.

"Verizon is deliberately neglecting the repair and maintenance of its copper network with the explicit goal of migrating basic telephone service customers who experience service problems," Regina Costa, TURN's telecom research director, wrote in the complaint. "These migrations are often without the customers' knowledge or consent." A Verizon spokesman said the company is reviewing the complaint and will respond to the CPUC.