USTelecom CEO to Trump: Copper Networks Looking for Parts on eBay

WASHINGTON, Jan. 27, 2025 – USTelecom President and CEO Jonathan Spalter is urging President Trump and Congress to enact sweeping changes in broadband policy.

In an open letter to Trump and Capitol Hill, Spalter criticized regulatory constraints on pursuing high-speed broadband network infrastructure, citing rules that require telecommunications companies to maintain ancient copper phone lines.

“Copper phone lines require massive expense and effort to maintain. As manufacturers stop producing outdated equipment, some network operators must resort to scouring eBay for parts,” he wrote in the Jan. 22 letter.