At the same time New York-based Verizon is trying to prevent phone customers from disconnecting landline service in favor of wireless or Internet-based phone service, it is offering new high-tech
services to fend off cable competitors and other Internet companies that are entering the phone business.
Verizon hopes to stem the losses with promotions for new packages of services
that include landline service, according to CFO Doreen Toben. It also has put in place a new program for customers with second homes, in hopes of ensuring they maintain landlines in their main homes
when they go away. And it plans to reach out to customers who have reported trouble with their lines.
Verizon is focusing on an $18 billion upgrade of its network to fiber lines,
which it hopes will offset the deterioration in its landline business. It added 141,000 net new customers for its nascent fiber-based TV service, ending the quarter with 348,000 customers.
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