Phone companies are phasing out telephone landlines

End of an era: Phone companies phasing out telephone landlines

Providers transitioning to ethernet access, replacing older copper lines
AT&T petitions California to end traditional landline service in the state
Advocates warn shift may harm disaster-prone areas during crisis

Updated: Feb 7, 2024 / 08:24 AM CST

Sitting at her desk in the examination room, the mature adult nurse practitioner calls patients on the office phone.

(NewsNation) — More Americans may potentially lose their telephone landline services as telecoms want to shift to a newer infrastructure within the next few years.

Over the last few years, many providers have gradually transitioned to fiber optics and ethernet access, replacing older copper wire telephone lines.

AT&T has recently become part of this trend. Last week, the company applied for a waiver with the California Public Utilities Commission to discontinue its traditional landline service in the state.

“None of our California customers will be left without service. We are simply seeking an approved process to help consumers transition from an antiquated copper network to modern services,” AT&T said in a statement to NewsNation.

The company added it is “not canceling landline service in California.”

Lisa Pierce, a research vice president at market research firm Gartner, told CNN about 100 million landlines are currently active in the U.S.

However, not everyone agrees with this shift. Some argue it could be a significant disadvantage in disaster-prone areas during emergencies such as hurricanes or severe flooding.

The Rural County Representatives of California, a group advocating for rural communities, has expressed “significant concerns,” stating copper-based landlines can serve as an essential safety net.

It’s crucial to consider the impact on small businesses and people over 65, as this change will also have a major impact on them.