I just did a little reading, it is an interesting case. At one time it made sense to invest in the expense of running copper in an area like this, but it no longer does. The public has been adversely affected, but the fact that there was a hurricane that wiped out infrastructure isn't the fault of either those individuals or Verizon.
The public lost a familiar dependable system for basic telephone service, and it sounds like the Voice Link system is designed to replicate that basic service as much as possible without going to the expense of laying a landline again. I have to say that it sounds like a reasonable approach given the trends in technology.
In my case, I have copper only because I live in a low population density spot. DSL runs to within 3 miles, cable internet runs to within 2 miles, and fiber optics runs within 2 miles. I'm also in a deadzone for both 3G, 4G, and basic telephone cellular.
I'd love some options.
Here is a summary of the project that I found prepared by the Village of SaltAire.
Residential Phone Service
1. Verizon is committed to restore basic telephone service to all subscribers by May 31st.
2. Subscribers who have functioning landline telephone service will retain that service unless or until the copper wire supporting that service fails.
3. Subscribers who have no service as a result of failed copper wiring will be given the option to restore voice service via the Voice Link system. Verizon will install this system at the residence at no charge to the subscriber.
4. The Voice Link system will allow any phone jack in the house to support a landline phone.
5. The Voice Link System will support the E911 Emergency Dispatch services.
6. The Voice Link System will have a rechargeable battery back‐up that will
operate the phone for 36 hours in the event of a phone failure.
7. The cost will be equivalent to the cost of the prior land ‐line service.
8. The Voice Link System will NOT support fax machines, internet access or
point of sale terminal equipment‐ although this enhancement is in the works.
DSL Service‐
1. DSL service will continue to be available as long as the copper‐wire servicing
the home is intact.
2. Once Verizon determines that the DSL line cannot be restored, the subscriber
will be advised that this service is no longer available.
Cellular Data Services
1. Verizon is working with its affiliate; Verizon Wireless, to provide enhanced cellular service coverage and expanded network capacity.
2. Verizon is installing supplemental poles along existing utility right‐of‐ways and will mount small (18 inch)transmitter/receivers on the poles to expand its capabilities.
3. This cellular network will provide 4G service throughout the Village
4. Subscribers will pay a separate fee to access this service. The fee has not
been set but Verizon has committed to provide a service fee credit to
subscribers to partially offset the cost.
5. Individuals will be free to subscribe to any other data services provider
offering services in the community
Essential Services
Verizon will rewire service to Municipal offices, Fire Houses Police/Security facilities and any other essential service providers. This will restore full capability voice and data services to these locations only.
http://www.saltaire.org/phoneservicesummary.pdf
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