(KIWA Staff Photo)Iowa (RI) — Lumen Technologies plans to end CenturyLink copper-based landline phone service in 20 Iowa communities on Oct. 18th.
Lumen operates its Iowa landline network under the CenturyLink brand. The company says only a small percentage of customers still use traditional copper-based home phone service.
The affected communities include Ames, Fort Dodge, Farmington, the Iowa City area, and a large portion of the Des Moines metro area.
In letters sent to customers, CenturyLink said its goal is to keep customers connected through newer technology rather than maintaining aging copper networks.
Some customers have criticized the move, arguing the company did not provide the 90-day notice required under federal law when copper-based phone service is discontinued.
CenturyLink is offering internet-based phone service as an alternative for affected customers.
The company’s history dates back to 1920, when Northwestern Bell was formed. Northwestern Bell merged with U.S. West in 1991, and then Qwest acquired the company in 2000. CenturyLink purchased Qwest in 2011 and adopted the Lumen Technologies name six years ago.
Lumen Technologies is headquartered in Monroe, Louisiana.
