A Note from Network Services: Potential Impact to Your Legacy Copper Circuits

Potential Impact of FCC 1972 on Your Legacy Copper Circuits – Effective 9/30/2022

On 8/2/2022, The FCC 1972 plan – passed back in 2019 – will go into effect.  This means that carriers are no longer required to sell or support traditional copper lines, including POTS, PRI, T1, MPLS T1, T3 and DS3 circuits.  This also means that carriers will have the ability re-rate monthly line pricing as well as well as disconnect legacy circuits with no more than 60 days’ notice.

While CU*Answers was previously aware that telephone companies were working towards a fiber-only future over the coming years, we are already seeing price increases and notice to disconnect for some credit unions.

How will this affect your connection to CU*Answers?

If you are utilizing a legacy, copper MPLS circuit from CU*Answers for CU*BASE connectivity, we will work with you to replace this with an alternative connectivity strategy.  For those of you that have a VPN backup over an internet connection, we will be switching that backup to the primary connection over the next 60 days.  If you do not have a VPN backup, we will reach out to you to discuss your options.  If you are using a legacy connection type for VPN to CU*Answers such as DSL, T1, etc. you may also be affected.  Our goal is to have all legacy copper MPLS circuits for clients disconnected by 3/31/2023.

CU*Answers Network Services has helped many credit unions update or adjust their connectivity strategies, both between credit union branches and CU*Answers – if you would like to arrange a time to discuss, please email netserv@cuanswers.com.

A note about redundancy

CU*Answers recommends credit unions have a backup data processing line.  Having a redundant line provides additional protection against a failure of the primary line.  CU*Answers recommends you add a second Internet service provider to your credit union as a backup of the primary carrier.  After you add the second ISP, please contact the Help Desk and ask for the second ISP to be added as a backup for your VPN to CU*Answers.  If you would like assistance identifying secondary internet options, please email netserv@cuanswers.com.

What about billing?

After Lumen disconnects your MPLS line and discontinues billing CU*Answers for it, you will see the data line charge drop off your invoice.  Please allow 90 days for the charge to drop from your invoice, depending on when in the Lumen billing cycle the disconnect occurs.  Once this charge drops from your invoice, it will be replaced by a $64/month VPN connectivity charge, which will be assessed per connected branch.  In nearly all cases, this fee is less than the MPLS data line fee, so most credit unions should see a lower monthly cost after the disconnect.

What if I would like to maintain an MPLS connection?  Am I out of luck?

Your site may qualify for an ethernet/fiber upgrade at an increased monthly cost.  If you are interested, please contact netserv@cuanswers.com and request a quote for your site.

What else should I be considering regarding FCC 1972?

As this change affects all legacy copper circuits, please make sure your credit union is not using these connections in production, such as POTS lines for security systems, fax lines, ATM connectivity, DSL for internet service or a PRI for phone service.  If you have questions or need assistance, please email netserv@cuanswers.com.

Need Assistance from Network Services? Submit a Request via ConnectWise!

Need Assistance from Network Services?  Submit a Request via ConnectWise!

If your credit union requires assistance from CU*Answers Network Services, please note that Network Services categories are no longer accessible through AnswerBook.  Instead, your credit union should reach out via ConnectWise with any requests directed to the Network Services team. Examples of common requests that can be submitted via ConnectWise include: Equipment troubleshooting/failure (workstations, printers,… Read more »

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Updated Deployment Plan for IBM i Access Upgrades – Complete Yours by 5/1/2024

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IBM i Access Client Solution Deployment Suspended – New Deployment Plan Coming Soon

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Don’t forget: it’s time to upgrade IBM iAccess (used for print sessions) to 1.1.9.2!  This update is required for all CU*Answers clients, in order to keep workstations up to date with currently-supported software.  The updates will need to be applied to all of your CU*BASE workstations and must be completed by 1/31/2024. Your IT staff… Read more »

Nov 27, 2023

Don’t Fall Behind – Complete Your IBM iAccess Upgrades Today!

Don’t Fall Behind – Complete Your IBM iAccess Upgrades Today!

It’s time to upgrade IBM iAccess (used for print sessions) to 1.1.9.2 – this update is required for all CU*Answers clients, in order to keep workstations up to date with currently-supported software.  The updates will need to be applied to all of your CU*BASE workstations and must be completed by 1/31/2024. Your IT staff can… Read more »

Nov 13, 2023

Don’t Fall Behind – Complete Your IBM iAccess Upgrades Today!

Don’t Fall Behind – Complete Your IBM iAccess Upgrades Today!

It’s time to upgrade IBM iAccess (used for print sessions) to 1.1.9.2 – this update is required for all CU*Answers clients, in order to keep workstations up to date with currently-supported software.  The updates will need to be applied to all of your CU*BASE workstations and must be completed by 1/31/2024. Your IT staff can… Read more »

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It’s Time for IBM iAccess Upgrades! Complete Yours by 1/31/2024

It’s Time for IBM iAccess Upgrades!  Complete Yours by 1/31/2024

It’s time to upgrade IBM iAccess (used for print sessions) to 1.1.9.2 – this update is required for all CU*Answers clients, in order to keep workstations up to date with currently-supported software.  The updates will need to be applied to all of your CU*BASE workstations and must be completed by 1/31/2024. Your IT staff can… Read more »

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