CU*Answers sunsetting legacy copper circuits

As telecommunications companies increase rates to encourage a transition away from “outdated technologies,” CU*Answers has decided to proactively sunset all legacy copper circuits by March 31, 2023. Several credit unions have already decided to terminate their MPLS data connections. Over the next several months, CU*Answers will continue working with clients to replace MPLS connections with more affordable Internet VPNs.

Legacy copper circuits have seen multiple rate increases throughout 2022, with more on the horizon for 2023. In 2019, the Federal Communications Commission passed Order 19-72A1. This order authorizes carriers to increase monthly rates, discontinue support, or fully disconnect circuits with 60 days’ notice. Carriers have begun notifying clients of pending changes to POTS, PRI, T1, T3, and MPLS lines, with reports of some circuits increasing by over 400%.

FCC Order 19-72A1 lifted regulatory obligations from the Telecommunications Act of 1996 which were intended to establish guidelines for pricing and availability to allow for organic marketplace competition. According to paragraph three of Order 19-72A1, the request from USTelecom comes in the face of “sweeping changes in the communications marketplace” in which “the public interest is no longer served by maintaining these legacy regulatory obligations… Rather than a foothold for new entrants into the marketplace, they have become a vice, trapping incumbent LECs into preserving outdated technologies and services at the cost of a slower transition to next-generation networks.”

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 »

Jan 31, 2024

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

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

Earlier this winter, CU*Answers Network Services announced a temporary suspension of our deployment plans for IBM iAccess Upgrades.  We have since performed the necessary adjustments to our plans – your credit union can begin downloading the latest version (1.1.9.4) as of today, January 25th. Please note that this update is required for all CU*Answers clients,… Read more »

Jan 25, 2024

Your Credit Union Has Questions, Our Teams are Here to Help!

Your Credit Union Has Questions, Our Teams are Here to Help!

At CU*Answers, we know how important it is that your Credit Union gets the appropriate help in order to meet your day-to-day data processing needs.  When you don’t know exactly who to contact, we recommend that you get started by reaching out to either the Client Services and Education Team or the Network Services Team…. Read more »

Jan 11, 2024

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

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

Recently, CU*Answers delivered several announcements on required IBM i Access Upgrades for 2024.  Since the start of this communication series, CU*Answers has been working with our credit unions to upgrade IBM i Access Client software on your PCs. Unfortunately, on December 8, 2023, IBM disclosed three vulnerabilities (CVE-2023-45184, CVE-2023-45182, CVE-2023-45185) affecting this software.  As a… Read more »

Dec 13, 2023

Winter is Coming… and So are the Latest IBM iAccess Upgrades!

Winter is Coming… and So are the Latest IBM iAccess Upgrades!

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 »

Oct 30, 2023

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 »

Oct 3, 2023