Rural residents worry they’ll be disconnected by Verizon’s plan to end Wisconsin landlines

By Avery Martinez– Wisconsin Public Radio Some in rural Wisconsin communities say a plan to cut landline telephone service on or after Nov. 16 could leave thousands of Wisconsinites disconnected. The planned change comes as part of a push to modernize Verizon’s communication network, according to the company. Statewide, Verizon estimates 3,500 addresses — both commercial and residential — could be affected by the closing of the copper lines. The final impact analysis hasn’t been completed. In Oneida County, that could leave upwards of 200 people in the Northwoods without access to the outside world, according to Tony Pharo, the Oneida County Economic Development Director. “This has become an emergency situation,” Pharo said. Pharo said his office has fielded calls from multiple neighboring counties, from residents and out-of-area families, saying they need their landlines — because in some parts of the Northwoods, internet and cell service are nonexistent.

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