Staying connected—whether at home, work, or on the go—is essential. However, consumer needs have evolved and legacy copper-based networks that once powered connectivity can no longer keep up with our customers’ needs for speed, reliability and always on-connectivity. Today, less than 2% of our eligible customers are still using legacy copper voice technology, as most customers have chosen to upgrade to more reliable services such as fiber and wireless.
As preferences shift toward modern connectivity, we’ve invested in our infrastructure and expanded our fiber and wireless services. It’s worth noting that it is also increasingly difficult to support our customers on legacy networks given the age of the technology, lack of reliability, and frequent outages—often caused by copper theft.
That’s why in 2024, we announced our plans to exit our copper network in the majority of our wireline footprint by the end of 2029, and help customers upgrade to newer, high-quality services. Since then, we’ve made progress and are working hard to help customers upgrade from copper-based services like traditional landline phones and slow-speed DSL internet to newer options such as AT&T Phone - Advanced, wireless, AT&T Fiber and AT&T Internet Air.
"I’ve had the same home phone number for 30+ years. I recently made the switch to AT&T Phone – Advanced and thankfully was able to keep my same phone number and phone." Cindy F., AT&T Phone – Advanced Customer
How We’re Helping Our Customers:
Beginning this summer, we’re upgrading customers and discontinuing legacy services in parts of our wireline footprint. This means that we will no longer provide copper-based services in certain areas, and the remaining customers who subscribe to copper-based services will have newer options available to stay connected.
We’re committed to helping our customers understand their options to upgrade, so the process is as transparent and easy as possible. This is happening in multiple phases over the next few years and we’re notifying customers along the way to let them know when it’s time for them to upgrade their service. No customer will lose access to home phone or 911 services.
Preparing for this Upgrade
We know transitions like this can be hard, and we want to help answer questions about how we’re doing this.