Verizon is facing allegations that all of its infrastructure investments are being poured into the deployment of FiOS, Verizon"s fiber-to-the-premises network. During testimony given before the Virginia State Corporation Commission last week, Communications Workers of America union members said that Verizon has all but thrown in the towel on its copper infrastructure, saying that the equipment required to make repairs—including tools and cable—is not even available.
Verizon spokesperson Harry Mitchell retorted: "The allegations made by the Communications Workers of America are unfounded. I would take strong issue with the characterization of our copper network. We provide good quality service to our customers regardless of where they live. It"s a challenge to balance the copper and fiber network investments. Quality of service is one of our differentiators, and we care about that. It"s in our best interest to continue providing good service." As Verizon continues rolling out its FiOS network in its race to pass 18 million homes by 2010, the company plans to continue making significant capital investments in its copper network, according to Mitchell.