In response to Verizon’s landline service problems, Senator Jeff Van Drew has requested the Board of Public Utilities to hold a hearing in South Jersey to hear directly from customers who are disturbed with the poor service.
“These problems are not only an inconvenience, they are causing public safety and quality of life issues and require action,” Van Drew wrote in a letter sent to BPU President Richard Mroz. The senator also is drafting legislation that would permit the Legislature to participate in legal action taken by Cumberland County and filed with the BPU regarding problems with Verizon’s service.
“Municipalities in Cumberland and Atlantic counties have reported serious problems with landline telephone service that has proven unreliable and created major telecommunications issues for residents, business owners and emergency personnel. The failure of Verizon to properly maintain its copper lines in this region of the state has led to telephone interference and, at times, completely inoperable landline and Internet service,” wrote Senator Van Drew.
He further added, “The inability of a resident to reach emergency personnel by phone or for emergency officials to communicate effectively could literally mean the difference between left and death. For students, in adequate telephone and Internet service could mean the inability to access educational materials and, for a business owner, it could result in lost production and revenue.”
While Sen. Jeff Van Drew, D-1st Dist., the main focus is on Cumberland and Atlantic countries — the areas he represents — the problems with Verizon service extend into Salem and Gloucester counties, officials there say. “I respectfully request that BPU hold a public hearing in the First Legislative District to hear directly from residents, emergency personnel and public officials about the communications problems they are experiencing. I would also request that Verizon participate,” Van Drew wrote to Mroz.