AT&T dials into the future, copper landlines to shut by 2029

To modernize telecommunications, AT&T announced plans to phase out its legacy copper landline networks by the end of 2029, marking the end of an era for traditional telephone services. This strategic shift was disclosed during the company’s recent investor day as part of its focus on expanding faster, more efficient fiber-optic networks.

“While building the network of the future, the company is actively working to exit its legacy copper network operations across the large majority of its wireline footprint by the end of 2029,” AT&T said in a statement.

For decades, copper landlines served as the backbone of American communication, connecting homes and businesses across the country. However, the advent of faster, more reliable technologies like fiber-optic networks and wireless services has rendered copper increasingly obsolete.

“Customers are voting with their feet and moving off this 70-year-old copper service,” said Susan Johnson, AT&T’s Executive Vice President (EVP). According to Johnson, only 5% of AT&T’s residential customers still use copper-based voice technology, underscoring the declining demand for landlines.

AT&T’s fiber-optic networks offer significantly faster speeds, improved reliability, and enhanced customer satisfaction. The transition to fiber and wireless services also brings environmental and operational benefits. Johnson noted that the copper network is “very inefficient,” consuming more energy and requiring labor-intensive repairs.

Additionally, copper networks are vulnerable to weather-related damage and theft, further reducing their reliability and increasing maintenance challenges. “Copper simply does not do well with water and flooding,” Johnson explained. “And unlike fiber, copper is an energy hog.”

The move away from copper landlines is also expected to deliver significant cost savings for AT&T. By retiring these outdated networks, the company estimates it will cut maintenance costs by about 35% while reducing its overall electricity consumption.

The financial benefits align with AT&T’s broader goals of streamlining operations and focusing on next-generation technologies. Phasing out copper allows the company to concentrate resources on expanding its fiber network, which has been a key growth driver.

Despite the clear advantages of moving away from copper, AT&T acknowledged that the transition is subject to regulatory and contractual obligations. In particular, California has been a notable holdout, with state regulators opposing the complete elimination of landlines.

Currently, AT&T’s landline services are available in 21 states, and the company expects to retire its copper networks in all but California by 2029. California’s regulators have raised concerns about maintaining access to reliable communication services, particularly for rural and underserved communities.

AT&T’s decision to phase out traditional landlines reflects broader trends in the telecommunications industry. With the rapid adoption of smartphones and high-speed internet, consumer preferences have shifted away from fixed-line services.

While landlines were once essential for connectivity, their relevance has waned in an era dominated by mobile and digital communication. The transition to fiber and wireless networks is a natural evolution, enabling faster, more reliable services while reducing environmental impact.

For many, the retirement of landlines marks the end of a significant chapter in telecommunications history. Copper networks revolutionized communication in the 20th century, connecting millions of Americans and serving as a lifeline during emergencies.

However, as AT&T pivots to modern technologies, it underscores the importance of innovation in meeting the needs of today’s consumers. The transition to fiber networks promises a more sustainable, efficient, and connected future.

By 2029, most of AT&T’s wireline footprint will have made the leap from copper to fiber, leaving behind a legacy of traditional landlines that defined communication for generations.