The reliance on internet home phones for communication begs us to consider its consequences. The thought of a power outage leaving my parents stranded without a way to reach me in an emergency worries me deeply. They seldom use their cell phone, and their home internet connection often cuts out. This poses a critical issue, particularly for seniors.

Internet phones, dependent solely on an internet connection, become useless during power outages. Imagine the scenario: An elderly person living alone experiences a sudden blackout and urgently requires medical assistance. They grab their internet phone, only to find it dead. In that crucial moment, their lifeline vanishes, leaving them isolated and helpless. This issue is more significant than anticipated, as more than 200,000 seniors in Maine still rely on landlines today.

An FCC order implemented last August to deregulate and promote the transition from traditional landline phones to internet phones seemed like progress. However, it failed to consider the needs of our most vulnerable citizens in Portland.

Preserving the tried-and-true reliability of landlines is crucial. We must ensure there is always a backup communication method that functions independently of power sources. Seniors deserve peace of mind, knowing they can always seek help when needed.

Let’s reflect on and reconsider the real-life implications of our choices in the relentless pursuit of technological progress. We need to find a balanced solution that safeguards the safety and security of our seniors.

Leo Palmer
Portland

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