Now that people aren&#x27;t forced to use Verizon&#x27;s network for telecom service, Verizon shouldn&#x27;t have to maintain the networks any longer.<p>Half of people don&#x27;t have a landline--growing each year. Among those, many get their service via cable companies or VOIP. In 10 years there might not be any need for a functional landline telephone system.<p>And since the cost of such a system is mostly fixed, not variable, the less people use it, the more it costs per customer. Which only drives the cost up.<p>Only a fool would spend good money updating this stuff.