MONTICELLO, NY — Assembly Member Paula Elaine Kay (Rock Hill) announced on Wednesday, October 7 that she will hold two public forums featuring Verizon representatives regarding the telephone company’s notice sent throughout the 100th Assembly District proposing to discontinue copper-based phone service (landlines).

The first meeting will be held on Friday, October 30 at Middletown City Hall, 16 James Street, Middletown from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.  

The second meeting, which will be live streamed, will be held on Thursday, November 5 at Tarry Brae Golf Course,  387 Pleasant Valley Rd, South Fallsburg from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sullivan County officials will also be  attending this meeting to discuss the positive impacts of the Sullivan County Broadband Municipal Infrastructure  Program and answer questions about the program and the ongoing expansion of broadband throughout the county. 

The FCC will not make any decision before the end of November. If the FCC does approve Verizon’s application,  the next step will be an application before the NYS Public Service Commission. 

Members of the public are encouraged to attend. 

What's at stake

Verizon's notice reads, “As part  of our transition to more advanced technologies, services will be delivered using modern wireless, fiber or cable  technology where available. On or after November 30, 2026, subject to Federal Communications Commission (FCC)  approval, Verizon will have authority to discontinue traditional copper-based phone service.” 

Assembly Member Kay said, “For countless people in my district, landlines are lifelines. Like many communities in  rural Upstate New York, there are places throughout Sullivan and Orange Counties where cell service is few and far  between, making landlines the only reliable means of communication during an emergency. Ripping this service away  from my constituents without equitable alternatives would be costly, dangerous and potentially devastating for  individuals who live in areas where cell service is not an option, as well as those who simply have not yet transitioned  to the digital age."

"I have also had increasingly consistent conversations with individuals who tell me that, during the  summer months, even when they normally have reliable cell service, they cannot always complete a call because of  how taxed cell towers become due to our growing population," Kay said. "I have had some very constructive conversations with  Verizon about these concerns, among others, and thankfully, they have shown to be willing and ready to listen. I look  forward to hosting two productive meetings with Verizon where my constituents can raise their concerns directly and  Verizon representatives can listen, respond, and report back, so that any potential transition can be as seamless and  safe as possible for everyone involved.”