I don't live in a new suburban community with modern utilities. Well, the 50 year-old water main on my street was replaced about 10 years ago. We haven't suffered major flooding like UCLA experienced last year. My house was built in 1930. Much of that telco copper is pushing 70 years old or more. Some is above ground and some is underground. Until recently, the underground vault would flood whenever it rained. The b-box uses screw-type terminals, not even 66 or BIX. Thank you GTE. matthew black california state university, long beach -----Original Message----- From: Andrew Carey [mailto:carey@ar-ballbat.org] Sent: Tuesday, August 04, 2015 10:02 AM To: Matthew Black Cc: nanog@nanog.org Subject: Re: [BULK] Verizon exiting California

On Aug 3, 2015, at 10:09, Matthew Black <Matthew.Black@csulb.edu> wrote:

I ran a few Google searches and came across a trove of complaints against Frontier. Seems they are far worse than GTE/Verizon. On the few occasions I have called for FIOS support, always reached someone knowledgeable and helpful. Not looking forward to the changeover, as the new owners have to pay off debts from their acquisition. That can only be accomplished through rate increases. I see a Verizon tech outside my kitchen window every two to three days as he replaces two nitrogen tanks keeping copper trunks pressurized against water intrusion.

Cutting expenses is another (well, and selling more too). Properly engineered/maintained cable should not require that level of constant attention.