The Maryland Office of People's Counsel is calling on the state Public Service Commission to investigate Verizon's maintenance of its aging copper wire telephone system.

Verizon is among the telecommunications companies that are in the process of replacing copper wiring for landline telephones with fiber-optic cable. After reviewing more than 1,200 customer complaints filed over the past several years, People's Counsel Paula M. Carmody said her office is concerned whether Verizon is neglecting maintenance of the copper system until it is able to replace it.

In a statement, Verizon rejected the idea that it is not adequately investing in its copper network.

“We're continuing to upgrade our network infrastructure in parts of Maryland with state-of-the-art fiber-optic wiring to provide customers even more reliable service and better call quality — without changes to calling plans or increases in monthly bills. In addition we continue to invest into and maintain copper networks that serve Maryland customers,” said Michael Murphy, a spokesman for Verizon, in a statement. “We've shared details of our robust customer communications program with the Public Service Commission and continue to work in close coordination.”

The state PSC will review the request for an investigation and determine whether to move forward, said Tori Leonard, a commission spokeswoman.

The Office of People's Counsel also wants the commission to look at how Verizon is shifting customers to the fiber network, to be sure customers are being offered a comparable service.

Carmody said the request for an investigation is not about trying to stop Verizon from expanding its fiber network or migrating customers to the new technology. Rather, her office wants to make sure it is being done properly.

“There's no doubt that technologies change,” Carmody said. “We're not against bringing and relying on new technologies, but telephone service is a basic and needed service.”

sarah.gantz@baltsun.com