CWA supports good jobs, good networks in IP transition

The Communications Workers of America (CWA) filed reply comments at the Federal Communications Commission in support of an FCC proposal to adopt clear criteria to evaluate a telecommunication carrier’s request to discontinue, reduce, or impair legacy service. As communications infrastructure changes from copper to fiber, the fundamental goals of communications policy remain the same: universal service, consumer protection, public safety and national security, and competition. These goals are best advanced by a skilled, career communications workforce with workers’ rights and protections on the job. CWA supports eight criteria proposed by the FCC to evaluate whether alternative technologies constitute adequate substitutes for copper landline services:

1. Network capacity and reliability
2. Service quality
3. Device and service interoperability
4. Service for individuals with disabilities
5. PSAP and 911 service
6. Cybersecurity
7. Service functionality
8. Coverage

CWA urged the FCC to add an additional criteria: affordability. If an alternative service is more expensive -- such as wireless with data caps or satellite service for Internet access -- then it is not an adequate substitute to legacy wireline service.