AT&T, one of the largest telecommunications providers in the United States, has unveiled its plan to discontinue traditional copper wire landline phone services over the next five years. This transition marks a significant shift as the company moves towards more modern fiber-optic technology.
The announcement, made during a recent investor presentation, outlined AT&T’s strategy to retire its aging copper network and focus on expanding its high-speed fiber-optic infrastructure. By 2029, AT&T aims to provide fiber connectivity to approximately 50 million locations nationwide, offering significantly faster and more reliable service.
According to the company, this transition aligns with its broader objective of maintaining industry-leading network investments while delivering enhanced value, improved security, and more tailored services to its customers. “By prioritizing our fiber network, we’re positioning ourselves to offer the best connectivity solutions at the lowest marginal cost on a high-capacity network,” the company stated.
The phase-out will impact both residential and business users in the 21 states where AT&T currently offers landline services. However, California will be exempt from this transition due to state regulations requiring AT&T to maintain landline service in rural areas where reliable alternatives like satellite or fiber are unavailable. In June, the California Public Utilities Commission rejected AT&T’s proposal to discontinue landline services in the state, citing concerns about access for rural communities.
AT&T emphasized that no customers would be left without essential services such as voice calling or access to 911 during the transition. The company plans to implement measures to ensure a seamless shift to newer technologies.
The move away from copper-based infrastructure is driven by several factors. AT&T highlighted the inefficiencies of the copper network, which requires constant power to operate and has become increasingly unreliable. Issues such as vulnerability to weather-related damage and frequent copper theft have further diminished its practicality. “The copper network is outdated and cannot meet modern demands for speed and connectivity,” a company spokesperson explained.
As AT&T invests heavily in fiber-optic technology, the company expects to enhance overall network performance and provide customers with more robust and future-proof communication solutions. This strategic initiative reflects the broader industry trend of phasing out legacy technologies in favor of more efficient and scalable alternatives.
