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Union calling on Md. to investigate Verizon’s investment in landline network

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A union representing Verizon workers is calling on the Maryland Public Service Commission to investigate what it calls a lack of investment by the telecommunications company in its copper-wire landline network as it moves toward Internet-based phone service.

The Communication Workers of America said Wednesday it is sending letters to regulators in Maryland, the District of Columbia and five other states asking for investigations. The union says Verizon has spent just $200 million over seven years to maintain the copper network across the Northeast, citing a letter the company sent to the Federal Communications Commission in July.

A Verizon spokesman said the company invested $5.8 billion in its fiber and copper networks last year, including $382 million in Maryland, and called the accusation that it is neglecting its copper network “a tired union tactic.”

The union and the company are in the midst of negotiating a new contract after the last one expired Aug. 1. The union represents 3,400 workers in Maryland and 39,000 Verizon workers across the country.

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