Ocean County Official Raises Multiple Concerns with Verizon in Telephone Conference
TOMS RIVER, NJ – Joseph H. Vicari, Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners, held a telephone conference with Verizon representatives on Wednesday to discuss a range of issues, including low-hanging utility pole wires and the high costs of cable TV and cell phone service.
Vicari expressed willingness to meet with Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg to discuss further the issues affecting Ocean County residents. “He doesn’t have to come to Ocean County from his New York offices. I’ll be happy to meet him halfway,” said Vicari.
Among the topics were frequent complaints from Lakewood Township residents about unreliable cell phone service. Vicari emphasized that poor service is more than an inconvenience; it can be a safety risk if residents cannot reach emergency services.
The high cost of Verizon’s cable television service was also discussed. Vicari stated that many senior citizens struggle to afford cable TV on their limited income yet rely on it as a primary form of entertainment and information.
Issues regarding Verizon’s customer service about cable TV issues were raised. Vicari criticized Verizon’s approach, stating that the company should not expect seniors and disabled customers to perform complex troubleshooting tasks but rather send service personnel to resolve issues.
Vicari has advocated for years about the risks posed by low-hanging communication wires on utility poles. He continues to see these sagging wires as a serious threat to pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. He has discussed this concern previously with the state Board of Public Utilities and has called for mandatory inspections of utility poles.
Ronald Heinzman, Director of the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs and Chairman of the Ocean County Energy Commission, was also part of the phone conference. He shared concerns about the number of leaning utility poles in the county, describing them as both an eyesore and a safety risk.
Vicari clarified that the conference and his desire to meet with CEO Vestberg are not criticisms of Verizon. Instead, he aims to cooperate with the company to resolve issues important to Ocean County residents.
