Is your copper landline being shut off? What AT&T and Verizon customers should do

AT&T and Verizon have asked the FCC to stop copper landline service across large parts of their networks, starting as early as November 2026. Here's what's happening, what replaces your line, and what to check before you switch.

What AT&T is doing

In January 2026, AT&T said it had FCC approval to start retiring more than 30% of its copper footprint, outside California. It told affected customers in November 2025 that copper landline service could be discontinued from November 15, 2026. In June 2026 the FCC also approved AT&T stopping copper service at more than 184,000 locations in California, a decision California regulators have appealed.

AT&T's replacement is AT&T Phone - Advanced, a home phone service that runs on its wireless or broadband network, or simply a mobile line. If AT&T Fiber reaches your address, see our AT&T Fiber review; elsewhere, AT&T Internet Air may be the internet option.

What Verizon is doing

On August 10, 2026, Verizon applied to discontinue copper phone service in parts of nine states: Arizona, Delaware, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah and Virginia, covering about 277,000 lines. On September 25, the FCC removed that application from automatic approval for a full review, so it's paused, not denied. A second application on September 9 covers about 750,000 homes and businesses in parts of California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Washington, DC. In West Virginia it is filed under Verizon's Frontier companies, since Verizon now owns Frontier. Both name November 30, 2026 as the earliest date. In mid-October, Verizon told the FCC its staff are calling each customer who raised concerns to say whether they will keep their copper line.

Verizon says it will contact affected customers in advance and won't discontinue a copper line where no FCC-approved replacement is available. Where Fios reaches you, our Verizon Fios review covers the plans.

What state officials are asking for

New York: Rep. Josh Riley (Sept 30) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (Oct 13) wrote to Verizon CEO Dan Schulman about upstate customers. Their letters raise higher monthly bills, 911 access during long power outages, and the cost to small businesses, and Schumer asked the FCC to extend its review.

West Virginia: the state Public Service Commission said on October 7 that it is filing comments with the FCC so customers on copper lines are not adversely affected.

Verizon says affected customers get a second letter with their own disconnection date, and that a line is only switched off where a listed replacement (Verizon wireless, fiber or another provider) is available. If your home loses power often, see our guide to staying online during power outages before you choose a replacement.

What to check before you switch

1. List what uses the line. Alarm panels, medical alert pendants, fax machines, elevator phones, gate entry and older TiVo or satellite boxes may all dial out over it.
2. Ask each device company. Find out whether the device works on the replacement service, or needs a cellular communicator instead.
3. Check your cell signal indoors. Wireless replacements depend on it. Test calls in the rooms where the phone sits, and write down weak spots.
4. Plan for power cuts. Copper lines carry their own power; replacements don't. Ask how long the backup battery lasts, and keep a charged cell phone.
5. Keep your number. Confirm the replacement or new provider will port your number before you cancel anything.

Your replacement options

• The company's own replacement. AT&T Phone - Advanced, or Verizon's offered service. Usually the simplest switch, and the company handles it.
• A cell phone. Cheapest if you already have one and the signal at home is good.
• Home phone over your internet. If you have home internet, many providers sell a phone line with it, sometimes at a discount: see internet and phone bundle discounts.

If your copper line also carries DSL internet, the shutoff can end that too. Compare what else reaches your address: fiber, cable, 5G home internet or, in rural areas, the options in our best rural internet guide.

If you don't have a good replacement

The FCC takes public comments on each application. If your home has weak cell coverage and no wired alternative, you can file a comment on the application through the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System, citing the docket number in your notice. Some county governments in Virginia have posted guidance and templates for residents.

Questions