AT&T working to enhance Iowa landlines

Verizon has, as we’ve reported, moved to abandon its landlines in parts of New York and New Jersey, and replace them with wireless Voice Link – an inferior service that does not support such features as DSL, medical alert, security alarm services, DVRs, third-party long-distance services, and which is incompatible with Video Relay Service.

Verizon’s rival, AT&T, is going in another direction. It’s buying the Iowa wireless service from Sergeant Bluff-based Long Lines, whose subscribers will now use AT&T Mobility. But AT&T will leave Long Lines’ wireline service intact, enabling Long Lines, working with AT&T, to improve its “non-wireless service offerings, and fiber optic network.”

According to Chuck Long, Chairman of Long Lines, and Jon Winkel, Vice Chair:

“Our wireless subscribers will be able to choose from the state-of-the-art phones and services offered by AT&T, and we are excited about the investments in new services and equipment we will now be able to offer to our Internet and Cable TV customers.”

AT&T buys Long Lines’ wireless unit, bolsters rural reach, fiber transport in Iowa (Fierce Telecom, Jul. 29, 2013)    

Long Lines Sells Wireless Network and Assets to AT&T (Long Lines Co., 2013)