Rhode Island Representatives Urge Verizon to Delay Copper Landline Cutoff in Little Compton
Rhode Island state representatives Michelle McGaw and Louis DiPalma have requested that Verizon postpone the discontinuation of copper landline service in Little Compton until fiber optic broadband is available in the area.
Providence New Bedford, RI, October 5, 2026 — Rhode Island state representatives Michelle McGaw and Louis DiPalma have formally requested that Verizon delay its planned discontinuation of copper landline services in the town of Little Compton. The request centers on ensuring that residents have access to reliable fiber optic broadband before traditional copper lines are taken out of service.
The officials expressed concerns that a premature shutdown of copper landline infrastructure could leave some constituents without essential communication services, particularly those who have not yet transitioned to or cannot access newer broadband technologies. The representatives have specifically asked Verizon to postpone the service discontinuation until such a time as fiber optic broadband is fully available and accessible to all residents of Little Compton.
The summary provided does not specify a timeline for Verizon’s planned discontinuation of copper landline service, nor does it detail the current status of fiber optic broadband deployment within Little Compton. Information regarding Verizon’s response to this request was also not included in the provided summary.
State Representative Michelle McGaw and State Representative Louis DiPalma are advocating for a measured approach to the technological transition, prioritizing the communication needs of their constituents. The core of their request is to prevent a service gap that could impact households and businesses in the community.
The move by the state representatives highlights ongoing challenges communities face during the transition from older telecommunications infrastructure to advanced fiber optic networks. Ensuring equitable access to modern communication services remains a key concern for policymakers and residents alike.
Further details on the timeline for the copper landline service discontinuation and the availability of fiber optic broadband in Little Compton were not immediately available.
Story summarized from the original created by Ryan Belmore on whatsupnewp.com, see more information here.
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