So, who thinks it was a mistake letting Verizon into our communities with Fios somewhat unchecked? I do. It's probably redundant at this point to ask Verizon if they can hear us now, 'cause I think they CAN hear us and don't give a rat's fanny....Anyway,have you had your sight lines blocked by one of those bad beige boxes while in your car on a small street, or even a large street? Have you moved into a rental unit or purchased a property that has Fios and you don't want it? Do you think Fios is all about hype and not so much about dollar value or service?

If you answered "Yes" to the above, here's a little 411:

If you move into a place that had Fios and you don't want it, chances are you are out of luck - if the Verizon Fios techs have removed the copper stuff you are STUCK with Fios.

Verizon doesn't consider themselves a utility company, therefore complaining to the PUC will get you nowhere fast.

This blog has heard the tale around town of an adult student who needs computer access as some of their college courses are online. They tried to get basic DSL or something but were told they can't because their apartment had the copper stuff removed when Fios was installed for a prior tenant. This student is on a fixed budget and can't afford Fios, so you would think they should have choices, right? So far, wrong. Because there is no copper stuff, they are forced at this point to get Fios or be screwed. Is that fair? Isn't that creating some sort of monopoly?

Then a little googling finds this tidbit off Merion Fire Co website:

CABLE INSTALLER HITS SERVICE LINE
Date: 6/20/08

A Verizon cable installer drilled into a service cable today at [house number removed] Holland Ave, resulting in sparking wires and smell of smoke. Engine 25 crew cut the service line cable to the house until an electrician could come and repair the main feed. The technician was unharmed and there was minor damage done to the home.

Then check this:
Verizon's copper cutoff traps customers, hampers rivals
By DEBORAH YAO
The Associated Press

"PHILADELPHIA — When Henry Powderly II ordered Verizon's FiOS fiber-optic service, he knew he was about to be connected to the future of telecommunications.

He also got unplugged from its past. Which meant that while Powderly was gaining features, he was losing some telecommunications options.

Verizon's installer removed the copper wires that used to carry Powderly's phone calls, as he knew the company would. But for most of the world, copper still links homes and businesses, as it has for a century.

Verizon's new high-bandwidth fiber lines are capable of carrying not only calls but also Internet data and television with room to grow. But once the copper is pulled, it's hard to switch back to the traditional phone system or less expensive digital subscriber line service.

And Verizon isn't required, in most instances, to lease fiber to rival phone companies, as it is with the copper infrastructure.

What's more, the next owner of Powderly's house will face higher bills with FiOS than another home with copper. Right now, for instance, Verizon's DSL plans cost as little as $15 a month. FiOS Internet starts at $30 a month.

"I was not given an option," said Powderly

Tip Your Editors:tips@consumerist.com
FiOS Sets Another House On Fire

UPDATE: $1800 For FiOS House Fire Family Is Just An Advance, Says Verizon

A Philly family is the latest to have their house set on fire after Verizon FiOs installers drilled through their electrical line. The Sammlers says the smoke from the fire and chemicals used to fight it ruined all their possessions, $58,000 worth. Verizon has offered the family $1,800. What will the Verizon Policy Blog have to say about this incident? Probably something along the lines of, "while the smoke at the Sammler house may be gone, the desire of customers still clamoring for the blazing hot speeds of FiOS is yet to be quenched!"

Warrington couple sues Verizon over fire
By SARAH LARSON
The Intelligencer

A Warrington couple is suing Verizon Communications Inc., claiming the company’s workers started a fire while installing a fiber optic line at their apartment.

The smoke damage and chemicals used to put out the fire on Sept. 6 destroyed their possessions, they say.

Consumerist:Verizon FiOs Install Results In Gas Line Breach

Washington Post:Verizon FiOS Fiasco

Verizon Techs Blow Out AP Reporter's Electrical Box During Installation

Consumerist: Verizon Continues Weird, Pointless Flame War With Networkworld Blogger

Here are the facts of the case as we know them:

On August 8th, 2007, a Verizon tech went to the home of one Patrick O'Malley to install Verizon FIOS. While installing the wiring, the tech drilled directly into the electrical main, causing a small electrical fire and a localized blackout of the O'Malley's neighborhood.

Eyewitnesses, including O'Malley's wife, saw smoke billowing out of the wall. The fire department was called. They put out the fire, then ripped apart the walls to make sure it had not spread. It had not.

The Needham Times reported on the fire, quoting the O'Malley's neighbor as saying, "I noticed my TV was flickering off and on, something was wrong," said Thelma Papetti, who lives next door to the fire at 60 Pine Grove St. "Then the fire trucks came."
Networkworld blogger Paul McNamara picked up the story and called the Needham Deputy Fire Chief, Al DeIulio, who told him that the Verizon technician "was drilling on the outside of the house when he hit an electrical main" and started the fire. "He's lucky he's not dead," says DeIulio.

At this time, The Consumerist notes, "The damage to the house was minor." The homeowners are quoted in the Neeham Times as saying, "There was not that much damage. We'll be alright."

Verizon responds to Networkworld's post and the Needham Time's story with a "correction" that said, (among other things):

'"One of our new techs was installing a triple play at a Needham home (they're selling like hotcakes, btw). When drilling a hole for the Optical Network Terminal, he accidentally hit an electrical wire, knocking out power to the house. Our bad, but no smoke, and no fire. Out of an overabundance of caution (always a good thing) the local fire department was called." [click here for more of this post on consumerist]

Verizon Can You Hear The Main Line Now?

Just say NO to VERIZON FIOS...

Utility Company Follies: The Utility Summit Review

Verizon ---Can You Hear Us Now, or Do You Still Have Fios Between The Ears?