TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Verizon Ordered To Argue Against Fine

ADVERTISEMENT

By RICHARD MULLINS

rmullins@tampatrib.com

Published: December 17, 2008

Florida regulators ordered Verizon Communications Inc. Tuesday to show why it should not be fined $4.56 million for failing to restore landline phone service to customers in a timely manner.

This month, the Florida Public Service Commission detailed 262 instances in which Verizon's telephone service for a region fell below the state's standards during 2007 and 194 times during 2008. The commission suggested $4.56 million in fines.

The company's problems with traditional phone line service are unrelated to the company's new fiber optic service, called FiOS. Verizon is spending $1 billion in the Bay area to provide that method of telephone, television and broadband service.

Rather, these proposed fines relate to the company's traditional copper wire phone service, which is closely regulated, in part for health and safety reasons. The commission says Verizon has 21 days to respond.

Verizon has defended its phone service and said the fine is unjustified.

"Verizon has delivered, and will continue to deliver, reliable landline phone service in Florida's most competitive telecom market, where consumers are able to choose from a number of voice providers and technologies," said Michelle Robinson, Verizon's Southeast region president.

Reporter Richard Mullins can be reached at (813) 259-7919.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT