Soon it’s going to be the end of copper as we know it…
The next round of Copper T1 Disconnects are here. As part of the original FCC ruling, as of 2023 – copper circuits will be a thing of the past. These changes will not only affect 123NET Services but also any company that utilizes this specific type of unbundled service. How did we get to this current situation?
What is the issue?
Unbundling allows carriers like 123NET to purchase last mile copper, or copper circuits, from a central office to customer locations. Throughout the years – the FCC reviews that competition within the telecommunication industry is still working.
Consequently, ILECs are no longer required to provide access to all the unbundled network elements and are pushing to discontinue these circuits. The first step was to discontinue Enhanced Extended Loops (EELs) from ILECs. Essentially, this is the next step in that progression.
How are 123NET Services Impacted?
123NET Services that are impacted are copper transport circuits over a 3rd party carrier, T1’s Ethernet over Copper, and all remaining copper circuits.
Keeping it simple…if your service is still on copper and traversing AT&T or Frontier, it is impacted.
What are my options as a 123NET customer?
Many of the impacted circuits for this round of disconnects are near 123NET’s expanded network. 123NET’s network has expanded greatly over the years, spreading 4,500 miles across the state of Michigan. And for those who are not near 123NET’s network, don’t fret – there is still a solution for your business. An over-the-top solution allows you to use your existing internet connection from another carrier, and lay 123NET voice services over it.
What happens if no action is taken?
No contact made to 123NET, or to your account manager made by March 1st, 2023, will result in a raise in your bill. If still no contact has been made after that, by September 1, 2023, your circuit will be soft disconnected – meaning it will be disabled temporarily. This is a date set by 123NET to ensure a solution is in place by the drop-dead date, accounting time for permitting, design and construction.
123NET’s number one priority is to make sure your business has a strategy in place when facing these tumultuous times. Please reach out to your account manager today if your services will be impacted.
