Association of BellTel Retirees, Inc.

06/08/2026

Imagine paying $99,000 for retirement income — only to learn a decade later that the life insurer you trusted has collapsed.

Annie Benjamin did just that, investing nearly $100,000 into a PHL Variable annuity 10 years ago. Now, her account is frozen, and “what [she] thought [she] could depend on, [she] no longer has."

An alarming story by NBC News reveals a growing crisis in the life insurance industry, where private equity-driven cost-cutting and shady “reinsurance" deals led to the catastrophic collapse of the major regional insurer, leaving 100,000 policy and annuity holders facing a $2.2 billion shortfall and victims wondering where they went wrong.

Read the full report from NBC News:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/paid-insurance-company-99000-generate-retirement-income-life-collapsed-rcna331934

Risks are mounting in the life insurance industry, and experts are concerned state regulators aren’t protecting policyholders.

06/04/2026

A telecom executive at a longtime Verizon rival is reported to be joining the Big Red, according to a story by Fierce Network.

Abdu Mudesir stepped down from T-Mobile's parent company, German telecoms giant Deutsche Telekom, in March. The announcement at the time of his departure stated he was taking on a “professional role abroad.”

Verizon CEO Dan Schulman reportedly sent an internal memo to employees confirming the move, allegedly stating that Mudesir will replace current EVP and President of Global Networks and Technology Joe Russo.

What are your thoughts on this move?

Read the full story here:

In a surprise move, Abdu Mudesir stepped down from DT in March 2026

06/03/2026

A fascinating CNBC report reveals that while the AI boom is slowing white-collar office hiring, demand for skilled frontline technicians is rising.

AT&T announced plans to invest $38 billion over the next five years specifically to hire and train thousands of skilled workers to expand its fiber network. As a third-generation AT&T tech succinctly put it: “I don’t think robots can be climbing poles anytime soon.”

For decades, we have worked through every storm and holiday, proving that systems and facilities are only as strong as the people who build them. It’s incredible to see the grit and effort of blue-collar workers still being recognized as a staple of the workforce.

Read the full CNBC feature here:
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/19/ai-hiring-slowdown-skilled-trade-workers.html

AI-driven hiring slowdowns are hitting some entry-level jobs for college graduates as companies like Ford and AT&T ramp up recruiting for skilled trade workers.

06/01/2026

The switch from copper to digital is entering its final stages, but many fear the transition is leaving vulnerable residents at risk.

The problem? New digital phone lines require electricity, making emergencies during a power outage a major concern.

This is a real issue for those in areas without a reliable mobile signal or those who depend on telecare alarms. This so-called “upgrade” shouldn’t cost someone’s basic safety.

Read what real victims of the change told The Guardian here:
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/may/02/landline-phone-users-voice-fears-over-digital-switchover

Rural dwellers reveal failings in backup plans, as campaigners call for deadline to be extended from 2027 to 2030

05/29/2026

Verizon CEO Dan Schulman announced a shift away from free line and handset offers, with the ultimate goal of higher profitability.

Despite the company reporting a significant turnaround, it is still doubling down on cutting costs.

These announcements come after Schulman emphasized the importance of treating customers like humans, not accounts.

What are your thoughts?

Read more from TheStreet here:
https://www.thestreet.com/retail/verizon-ceo-doubles-down-on-removing-free-offers-for-customers

The CEO of Verizon is standing by a cost-cutting move that has reduced key customer perks.

05/27/2026

Your Association's Summer 2026 Newsletter is now LIVE!

Click in to read the latest updates on recent Pension Risk Transfer lawsuits, the transfer of Verizon’s pension management division, and the groundbreaking lead toxicity study spearheaded by IBEW Local 2324 and Business Manager John Rowley Sr.

https://belltelretirees.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/63421_PPS_Belltel_News_Sum_R2.pdf

05/25/2026

On Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Their courage and selflessness are the foundation of the freedom our great nation enjoys today. BellTel extends our deepest gratitude to our fallen heroes and their families.

05/22/2026

Thank you to our fellow retirees, board members and speakers who participated in the Association of BellTel Retirees' successful 2026 member meeting in Stamford, CT this past Wednesday.

It was great to see the various friends and colleagues who gathered together. Participants joined us from six states: CT, NY, NJ, MA, PA & SC. Across multiple decades, Stamford was the corporate home to SNET, GTE and Frontier, so it's a community with a great telecom tradition.

Thank you to our featured speakers, John Rowley Sr., Business Manager of IBEW 2324, and Edward Stone, Executive Director of Retirees for Justice and special legal counsel to the Association of BellTel Retirees.

This is YOUR Association, and it works to protect YOUR earned benefits, retirement income and security. As a volunteer-led nonprofit, your support and involvement are critical.

Over the coming weeks, be on the lookout for videos on the BellTel YouTube channel that allow you to click in and participate in the meeting as if you were there.

05/22/2026

Recent reports from Washington think tanks suggest a new "chop the top" approach to Social Security — capping or cutting benefits for higher-income retirees — could address the program's looming insolvency.

While some argue this would protect the program's most vulnerable participants, others believe that Social Security should remain a guaranteed benefit for all who have paid their dues for decades.

What are your thoughts on this idea?

Read more about these proposals at The Hill:
https://thehill.com/opinion/finance/5857487-social-security-benefit-cuts/

Some are coalescing around the idea of capping Social Security benefits for top earners.

05/20/2026

TODAY'S THE DAY!

See you in Stamford at 10:30 AM!

https://belltelretirees.org/rsvp-30