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Recommendation to request City Attorney to draft a resolution encouraging telecommunications providers to upgrade their wired and wireless networks in a manner that limits service impacts and benefits the Long Beach community.
DISCUSSION
Verizon Telecommunications is planning to replace traditional copper land line phone networks with wireless technology in an effort to save money. This new service is called Voice Link and is now being introduced in California. While there are financial benefits to going wireless, there are still many concerns related to the transition.
The reliability of Voicelink in the event of emergencies and natural disasters has been questioned, based on its dependency on short-term battery life. Voice Link may not be fully compatible with evacuation procedures used in emergencies. A spike in usage, as in the event of a major fire, earthquake or other natural disaster, causes many calls to be blocked or dropped.
Voice Link does not carry a data signal; it only carries a voice signal. As a result, customers may not have access to DSL, fax service, home security and fire alarm systems, home monitoring systems (such as LifeAlert) or medical monitoring services.
Further, Voice Link does not support point-of-sale credit card devices that do work over wired dial-up access lines. This directly affects the abilities of small businesses to be competitive.
The City of Long Beach should support a smooth transition from copper lines to wireless service, ensuring that telephone service providers:
1. Invest in high-speed networks on an equitable basis to serve all residents, businesses, and community institutions.
2. Support quality jobs in the telecommunications industry and the community.
3. Promote quality, affordable voice, video, and data service to everyone.
4. Ensure network reliability.
5. Promote access to public safety.
6. Maintain strong consumer protections.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact.
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