NEVERSINK — Earlier this month, the Democrat reported on a proposed phaseout of Verizon’s copper-based landline telephone services, with concerns raised by residents and elected officials alike.

Similar concerns resurfaced at the Town of Neversink’s recent monthly meeting, where the board discussed efforts to respond to the company’s plans and the challenges residents face in finding reliable alternatives.

It was revealed that a letter from the board had previously been sent to Verizon opposing the proposed discontinuation, with Town of Neversink Supervisor Chris Mathews reading aloud an update from town resident David Brittenham regarding developments in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) application review.

Brittenham’s letter explained that Verizon filed its application on September 9, seeking authorization to end its copper-based landline service in New York and several other states. At the time of Brittenham’s letter, more than 110 comments had been filed, which he noted were “all essentially negative.”

According to Brittenham, the FCC had not yet issued a notice accepting the application, which would end the public comment period 15 days later unless otherwise determined by the commission.

Residents’ concerns extend beyond making everyday phone calls, as traditional landlines remain vital for those in areas lacking consistent cellular coverage and households with medical equipment that relies on telephone lines to function properly.

According to Mathews, many residents have approached him about the issue, including a local woman concerned about potentially losing access to a medical device that uses a landline.

“I told him about this lady’s unfortunate situation,” Mathews said of his conversations with Assemblyman Brian Maher. Mathews described Maher as “very receptive” and said the assemblyman had contacted the woman directly, with a meeting expected soon.

“Everybody’s on [top of] this,” Mathews noted.

Brittenham’s letter also described efforts in Ulster County to document local conditions, gather input from municipalities and residents, and communicate with Verizon regarding its proposed changes. Additionally, Sullivan County Manager Josh Potosek had informed Brittenham that the county would put together a similar survey, though Brittenham had not yet seen a public announcement as of the meeting.

Neversink will also join in those efforts, with Mathews stating that the town intended to have its own questionnaire available within two weeks of the October 14 meeting. The survey would help gather residents’ experiences and concerns.

Although Sullivan County’s ongoing broadband expansion (see article at right) could eventually provide an alternative for some residents, its timeline remains a concern. According to Sullivan County District 4 Legislator Brian McPhillips, much of the project was expected to be completed by the end of December, with some portions not fully rolled out until June 30.

Even with this new infrastructure, residents emphasized the need for dependable service in the meantime.

Brittenham’s letter also mentioned two public forums previously announced by Assemblywoman Paula Kay and reported by the Democrat.

The first is scheduled for October 30 in Middletown, followed by another on November 5 in South Fallsburg. The latter event is planned to be livestreamed, with Sullivan County officials expected to be present to discuss the county’s broadband project.