Copper-to-Fiber Phone Service Transitions in Vermont | Department of Public Service Careers Document Library Public Advocacy Regulated Utilities Energy Efficiency Utilities Efficiency Renewables Telecommunications and Connectivity Copper-to-Fiber Phone Service Transitions in Vermont Broadband High-Speed Internet Availability in Vermont Maximize Broadband Service for Telehealth and Distance Learning Mobile Wireless Drive Test Status of CoverageCo Telecommunications Relay Service Telecommunications and Connectivity Advisory Board Tower Locations Wi-Fi Hot Spot Project Consumer Information and Assistance Vermont Community Broadband Board (VCBB) Copper-to-Fiber Phone Service Transitions in Vermont What Is Changing? As fiber-optic phone services expand in Vermont, telecommunications providers are replacing older copper networks. The Vermont Department of Public Service monitors these changes and provides information to help Vermonters understand and prepare. Fiber technology offers benefits like improved call quality and reliability, but it also has limitations, particularly during power outages. Fiber-based phone service relies on electricity and requires a battery backup to function during outages. Therefore, all customers, especially those with medical or safety-related devices, should ensure these systems remain operational after installation. This page provides general information about the transition from copper to fiber-optic phone services by Fidium Fiber (formerly Consolidated Communications) in Vermont. It is intended for informational purposes and may not cover all individual circumstances. If you have specific questions or concerns, please contact your telecommunications provider or the Vermont Department of Public Service. Copper to Fiber Optic Phone Service Explained: Where fiber is available, Fidium plans to transition customers from traditional landline phone service to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which uses an internet connection instead of copper lines. This involves switching from copper to optical fiber, using Internet Protocol (IP) for communication. Please visit the FCC webpage Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) | Federal Communications Commission for more information about VoIP services. Fiber is more modern and efficient, with a longer life cycle and less maintenance. However, fiber-based phone service requires electricity and won't work during power outages without a battery backup. While copper lines usually function during outages, fiber needs extra power solutions. For more details, visit the FCC's Tech Transitions and VoIP services webpage Provider Announcements and Filings: Telecommunications providers must file petitions or notices when they plan to discontinue legacy copper phone service in certain areas. These filings help regulators track changes and ensure consumer protections are followed. The Department maintains summaries and announcements related to these filings, including those from providers such as Consolidated Communications/Fidium. Service providers must notify customers at least 30 days before discontinuing, reducing, or impairing service. These notices indicate a transition is underway, but service changes may not happen immediately. Current Announcements and FCC Filing Information: 3-09-2026 Department of Public Service Petition Announcement - Consolidated Communications/Fidium Fiber Plans Broader Discontinuation of Legacy Phone Services as They Expand Fiber Network 3-06-2026 Consolidated FCC Discontinuance Application INBOX 63.71 is available on the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) 2-17-2026 Department of Public Service Additional Petition Announcement - Additional Fiber Build Out Prompts Consolidated Communications/Fidium Fiber to Petition For Expanded Discontinuation of Legacy Phone Service 2-09-2026 Consolidated FCC Discontinuance Application WC 26-33 is available on the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) 1-15-2026 Department of Public Service Announcement - Consolidated Communications / Fidium Fiber Petition – Proposed Discontinuation of Legacy Phone Services Where Fiber is Now Available 12-23-2025 The Consolidated – Vermont CCVT FCC 63.71 Discontinuance Application is available on the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) 09-09-2025 The Consolidated - Vermont CCVT FCC 63.71 Discontinuance Application is available on the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) Power Outages and Battery Backup: One of the most important differences between copper and fiber-based phone service is how it performs during a power outage. Traditional copper landlines often continued to work without household power. Fiber-based phone service usually does not work during a power outage unless battery backup is available. What you should know: Battery backups typically provide limited hours of service. Customers are often responsible for maintaining or replacing backup batteries. Questions to ask your provider: Will my phone work during a power outage? Is a battery backup included? How long will the battery last? Who is responsible for replacing the battery? Medical and Auxiliary Telecommunications Systems: If you use devices that rely on your phone line, it is critical to plan ahead before any service change. Examples of auxiliary or specialized systems include: Medical alert or life-safety devices Home health monitoring equipment Security or fire alarm systems Fax machines Important steps: Tell your installer about any device that relies on your phone service. Test all devices after installation to make sure they work properly. Ask whether your devices will function during a power outage and what backup power is required. Do not assume these systems will continue to work the same way after a transition to fiber. What You Can Do to Prepare Before switching or agreeing to new service, consider taking the following steps: Ask how phone service will work during power outages. Confirm whether battery backup is available and how long it lasts. Identify any medical, safety, or monitoring devices in your home. Make sure installers are aware of all auxiliary systems. Test phone service and devices after installation. How the Department of Public Service Can Help The Vermont Department of Public Service does not provide phone service, but we can help by: Monitoring provider filings and service changes. Answering consumer questions. Assisting with unresolved service or billing issues. If you have concerns or issues with the copper-to-fiber transition, please visit our contact page for the Department’s Consumer Affairs and Public Information Division. You can speak with our team by phone, email, or submit a complaint online through the Complaint Reporting and Information Page FAQ Will my phone still work during a power outage? It depends on your service and whether you have battery backup. Traditional copper landlines often worked during outages. Fiber-based phone service usually requires electricity and may not work unless backup power is available. Do I have to switch from copper to fiber service? Availability and requirements vary by provider and location. If a provider plans to discontinue copper service, they are required to notify customers in advance. What is a battery backup, and do I need one? A battery backup allows fiber-based phone service to continue working for a limited time during a power outage. If you rely on phone service for medical, safety, or emergency needs, you should ask your provider about backup options. Will my medical alert or alarm system still work? You should notify your installer about any auxiliary systems and test them after installation.  Medical alert and alarm systems vary by supplier. Ask your device supplier about compatibility. Who is responsible for maintaining the battery backup? In many cases, the customer is responsible for monitoring and replacing backup batteries. Ask your provider for details.