AT&T To Stop Landline Service Everywhere Except This One State

If you’re an AT&T customer and you have a landline, or more importantly, if you rely on your landline, there are some upcoming changes that could have a large impact on you. AT&T announced some of these plans just ahead of their 2024 Analyst and Investor Day presentation. The company claims it is looking to improve and streamline the services it offers so that customers get more value for the price, particularly their fiber network.

AT&T describes its fiber network as “the network of the future.” According to the AT&T website, “Fiber optic internet is a form of broadband that uses a network of bundled tiny glass fibers called fiber optic cables to deliver internet service via light waves.” Fiber networks are much faster than traditional copper line services, which is why AT&T is prioritizing it. To focus on it, the company says it “is actively working to exit its legacy copper network operations across the large majority of its wireline footprint by the end of 2029.”

How is AT&T Landline Service Changing?

By cutting its copper network operations, AT&T will be phasing out landline service for customers in all states except California. The company has been trying to phase it out in California as well and has faced hearings in San Mateo County over this.

For many counties in California, AT&T is a “Carrier of Last Resort.” This means it “provides basic services such as free access to 911 and Telephone Relay Service, which allows persons with hearing or speech disabilities to place and receive telephone calls.” These services are a fail safe when regular cell service isn’t sufficient.

When is AT&T Landline Service Changing?

Expanding a fiber network and eliminating copper wire service for most of a country doesn’t happen overnight. AT&T says they’re planning on finishing this transition by the end of 2029. Assuming they stay on this timeline, that gives current landline customer just about 5 years to find an alternative for their landline service.

What Does This Mean for Customers?

By the end of 2029, AT&T customers will have to either switch to a provider that offers landline service in their area or see if the new fiber network will handle their needs, even in rural areas or during emergencies. Satellite phones are a possibility as well, though they often come with their own costs.

There is still the possibility that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) could overrule this change or that other states may push back the way California has. But unless that happens, customers don’t have many other options.

Sources

• AT&T: T&T Outlines Strategic Plan to Drive Sustainable Growth and Enhanced Shareholder Returns (2024)
• County of San Mateo: County Demands Answers as AT&T Seeks to Cut Landline (2024.
• AT&T: “What is fiber optic internet?”