Saints preserve us from marauding wirecutters!

[xela]

The only thing keeping me from switching to FIOS at this point is that I don't want to put our copper pair at risk. My Google-fu has thus far failed to find me a clear signal amidst all the noise on this topic, so I figured I'd ask the hive mind: Does anyone know the magic incantation to utter when ordering FIOS from Verizon that will result in them installing it while leaving our copper pair (and the POTS that runs over it) unscathed? A talisman, as it were, to protect copper?

Comments

[rlcarr]

Keep in mind that Verizon can punt you from copper whether or not you get FiOS.

From a MA state govt publication back in 2004:

"Q: If Verizon tells me that I must switch to fiber to continue to receive telephone service from Verizon, do I have to switch?
A: Yes, if you wish to remain a Verizon customer."

"Q: I’ve heard about Verizon FiOS—is that the same as the fiber service that I may be migrated to?
A: No. While the terms fiber and FiOS are used interchangeably at times, and both fiber-based traditional phone service and FiOS services are offered over Verizon’s fiber-optic network, they are not the same. If you upgrade your existing copper service to a fiber-optic based service without changing your rate plan or calling features, your new service will continue to be subject to DTC regulation, and will come with certain consumer protections. FiOS Digital Voice (FDV) is an unregulated service, and is an optional alternative to traditional telephone service to which the DTC’s consumer protection rules do not apply. Make sure you understand the difference before making any changes to your telephone service."

http://www.mass.gov/ocabr/docs/dtc/consumer/fiber-migration-advisory-final-6-27-14.pdf

[dsrtao]

Here's the magic ritual:

1. Buy a service from a CLEC that goes over the copper. Anything will do. A voice line is fine. After you get your first bill, continue.

2. "Hey VZ, I want a new line of service over FIOS. No, I'm not porting a number."

3. On the day the VZ contractor-installer arrives: "Please remember that I have service from another CLEC on the copper, so don't tear it out, we use that." Don't let them leave without checking that it still works.

4. You can now cancel the CLEC service whenever you feel like it. However, VZ may wander around and tear out the copper when there's no service attached to it.