ALBANY - Assemblyman Joseph Angelino (R,C-Norwich) is calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) to hold public hearings in the wake of the news that Verizon is planning to shut down its landline service.

Verizon is the parent company of Frontier Communications so their customers will be impacted as well. Angelino notes that 40% of New York homes are still equipped with landlines and that number is higher in rural areas, where cell phone service can be unreliable.

“In areas such as rural upstate New York, many folks still use a landline for their communications due to the unreliable nature of rural cell service. For a decision that will impact so many people, multiple public hearings are needed to ensure the people’s voices are heard. That is why I am calling on both the FCC and the PSC to immediately hold these hearings. I am also urging anyone who has a complaint or concern to contact the FCC by visiting the website here or by calling 1-888-225-5322; you can also reach out to the PSC here or call 1-800-342-3377,” said Angelino.

Assemblyman Angelino represents the 121st  Assembly District, which includes parts of Broome County, Delaware County, Madison County, Chenango County and Otsego County. Follow Assemblyman Angelino on FacebooK.

- Information from the Office of Assemblyman Angelino