Public meeting scheduled to discuss Verizon phone, internet problems in South Jersey

A public hearing to discuss problems with Verizon’s landline and internet service in South Jersey has been scheduled for August.

Residents will get the chance to speak directly to officials from Verizon and the state Board of Public Utilities about service quality issues that have been plaguing parts of rural South Jersey.

“The issues range from static and service interruptions to complete loss of service, and are the unfortunate results of poorly-maintained copper infrastructure and the failure of the company to address the problem in a comprehensive way,” said state Sen. Jeff Van Drew, D-Cape May County, in a statement who requested the meeting.

“This is a quality of life issue for residents and one that could potentially have a serious impact on the health and safety of those who are living and working in these communities,” Van Drew said.

The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on August 4th at the Estell Manor Elementary School. The BPU announced its intention to hold the event in February.

In November, 16 towns asked the state to investigate Verizon over ongoing service quality issues the towns say were caused by deteriorating copper wires that Verizon has not maintained.

Van Drew introduced legislation in the New Jersey Senate to join the towns in their request of an investigation. Assemblymen Bob Andrzejczak and Bruce Land introduced an identical bill in the Assembly.

Verizon has repeatedly said it spends millions to manage its copper infrastructure in South Jersey.