Wireline

Wireline networks are undergoing a monumental transformation from providing traditional voice communication services to delivering Video, High Speed Internet , and Voice over fiber networks to homes and businesses. Also part of this historic transformation is the migration toward Internet Protocol (IP) based transmission and services making today’s wireline carriers some of the strongest pillars of the global Internet.

Today, over 1,000 companies offer wireline, facilities-based communications services in the United States.  They serve over 300 million customers, delivering phone calls, high definition video programming, and high speed Internet access to homes and businesses across the U.S. Wireline companies also supply long haul fiber-based IP networks that provide wireless back-haul and serve as the backbone of the Internet.

Major wireline companies are interconnected globally to bring the full value and power of the Internet to the consumers, businesses, and government entities in United States.

Wireline Involvement in the Communications Sector Coordinating Council (CSCC)

Some of the largest carriers in the Wireline sector are founding members of the CSCC including AT&T, CenturyLink, Qwest, and Verizon.  In addition, the USTelecom Association represents hundreds of smaller wireline companies throughout the United States on issues that come before the CSCC.

Securing Wireline Infrastructure

The communications sector works hard to safeguard wireline communications for the nation.  The National program for protecting wireline assets is outlined in parts of the Communications Sector Specific Plan.

The Wireline industry serves a critical role with the National Communications Systems’ (NCS) Telecommunications Service Priority (TSP) and Government Emergency Telecommunications Service (GETS) programs.  The programs provide critical personnel with the capability to place high priority calls regardless of the traffic on the networks.

Wireline carriers have a long history in operating resilient, reliable and secure communications networks. However, the threats never go away. Wireline carriers invest billions expanding and updating network equipment, network circuits, including security systems that make these networks more resilient against attacks.

Wireline carriers deploy and operate hundreds of mobile switching units that can be rapidly deployed anywhere in the U.S within hours of a disaster. In support of Federal Agencies, wireline operators are essential elements in our nation’s “First Responder” system. They’ve responded to and rapidly restored communications following 9/11, hurricanes in the Gulf Coast, earthquakes, wild fires as well as major events like the Superbowl, World Series, Olympics and Presidential conventions, the election and inauguration. Wireline carriers also have robust network operating centers that not only route traffic around disasters, but continuously monitor for and protect against all forms of cyber attacks.

Wireline carriers also contribute substantial resources toward compiling the applicable Best Practices developed by the FCC’s Network Reliability and Interoperability Council (CSRIC). In addition, individual service providers incorporate business continuity planning into their own operational environment and offer similar services to business customers who are highly dependent upon communications services.