Verizon is not very happy with Communications Workers of American as they earlier claimed that it had not given proper attention on its copper networks.

Verizon clarified in an FCC filing that CWA has misinterpreted a statement made in July by the company. It said it has invested a lot on its copper network and is still upgrading as needed.

Verizon clearly stated in an FCC filing: “As we explained in that letter, Verizon takes reasonable steps to ensure its copper network remains healthy and, contrary to CWA’s suggestions, has not engaged in widespread “de facto” retirement of copper. As part of that discussion, we wrote that Verizon since 2008 has spent more than $200 million on its copper network. CWA has seized on that comment, taken it out of context, and tried to use it to create the false impression that this was all of the money that Verizon has spent to keep copper in service.”

Verizon refuses to commit that more than $200 million is spent on maintaining its copper wire network. “Instead, that figure included only one category of capital investments, dedicated to copper infrastructure improvement and focused on proactive rehabilitation of copper facilities and related network support elements — i.e., cable, air pressure, batteries, etc.” said Verizon. “That figure does not represent all of the capital Verizon has invested in its copper network, nor does it include the significant expenses incurred in connection with the copper network, including maintenance and repair costs. Instead, those dollars were uniquely relevant to the issues the Commission then was considering.”

Nevertheless, copper maintenance is a constant topic of an argument between ILECs, CWA and CLECs that will deliver business services to all its users. At the end of second quarter of 2015, Verizon claimed it converted 51000 customers from copper to fiber which brings half of the total of 98000. It also stated that the full year goal is set to convert 200000 customers. According to customers, Verizon has drastically improved its copper services.