Re:Not really surprised (Score 1)

No, other companies can not use the fiber like they can the copper - and that is the point. In 2004 the FCC ruled the RBOCs (incumbent telcos) were required to continue selling copper access to CLEC (Competitors) under Section 271 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 BUT removed the requirements for fiber. This was done to encourage the RBOCs to make the huge investment in the fiber infrastructure. There was a lot of debate about this at the time and I think, being in the business for years, this was a good decision otherwise I can assure you there would be NO FTTP (fiber to the premises) in this country. But the cutting of the copper is out and out dirty pool.

Now CLECs have no alternative to delivery as there is no copper and they can't use the fiber. Do you think VZ knew this? Uh, yeah...

Personally I think that if the RBOC has cut the copper line they should be required to repair it for the CLEC - at thier cost - period. It seems the only fair course.