County joins regional opposition to Verizon's plan to decommission copper telephone service

County Administrator Mike Mason and staff updated the board on staff outreach opposing Verizon's plan to phase out copper‑based telephone service in some areas. Mason said the county posted a press release advising residents how to comment at the FCC and that the Virginia Association of Counties joined in opposition. He reported that the FCC website showed hundreds of comments on the matter and that concerns center on loss of a reliable lifeline—particularly in rural spots where broadband or reliable satellite connections are not available.

Board members noted at least one constituent reported receiving a letter from the FCC suggesting they would not lose service; staff said they had not seen that letter in office files. Supervisors emphasized the county's responsibility to ensure communications resilience for rural residents and said staff should continue outreach and monitoring of the FCC process.