Verizon says it is an unfair and arbitrary standard that aren't [sic] applied to its competitors in the increasingly competitive telecommunications market.

said by TKJunkMail :

And that statement is true. Whether Verizon gets reduced standards or not, the rules should be the same for everyone offering phone service in the state - even the VOIP providers.

said by axus :

What is the benefit of LEC status? How did Verizon get this rule placed on it in the first place?

I imagine that Verizon agreed to something and then didn't do it, to save money. They should pay the fine and then cancel whatever agreement they made, if they don't like the agreement.

said by TKJunkMail :

Whether Verizon gets reduced standards or not, the rules should be the same for everyone offering phone service in the state - even the VOIP providers.

said by bmn :

A statement without a basis in reality... No VoIP provider can ever provide the exact same level of service as an existing ILEC or CLEC using traditional copper as a medium. To believe that it is possible and should be so is to know little about the nature of the beast.

said by batterup :

Thank you for finally admitting VoIP and all leeches are a bunch of hustlers out for a blood meal.