In a transformative move that promises to reshape telecommunications, AT&T has announced plans to phase out its traditional copper wire network by 2029, signaling a profound shift in how Americans communicate and connect.
The story of this network retirement is rooted in a stark technological reality. AT&T’s copper infrastructure currently stretches across 500,000 square miles and serves 88 million wireline locations, has become increasingly antiquated. Remarkably, only 5% of residential subscribers still use copper-based voice technology, yet the company continues to invest a staggering $6 billion annually in maintaining this aging system.
“Copper is an energy hog.” ~ Susan Johnson, AT&T
Why retire copper? The reasons are both technological and economic. These legacy networks can no longer meet modern connectivity demands, with AT&T executives describing them as fundamentally unable to provide the speed, reliability, and constant connectivity that today’s consumers expect. The infrastructure is an “energy hog” that requires extensive labor for repairs, making it increasingly unsustainable.
The retirement strategy is nuanced and carefully planned. AT&T has designed a two-phase approach that recognizes the diverse connectivity needs across its service area. The first phase targets low-density areas where fiber deployment isn’t economically viable. Covering about half of AT&T’s landline footprint but serving only 10% of customers, this phase aims to complete copper network retirement by 2027. In these regions, AT&T will replace copper infrastructure with fixed wireless services and potentially satellite connectivity. Johnson stated about services like DSL: “Our legacy services are no longer meeting our customer needs for speed, reliability or always-on connectivity.”
The second phase focuses on areas where fiber networks will be deployed by 2029. Most customers in these regions will transition to fiber-based services, with some potentially served by fixed wireless alternatives.
New Telecom Devices Ease the Transition
To smooth this transition, innovative telecom solutions like DataRemote’s POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) in a Box have emerged as critical alternatives for businesses and consumers facing network infrastructure changes. This technology provides a seamless migration path for traditional landline users, bridging legacy phone systems and modern communication networks. By converting analog telephone signals to digital formats, POTS in a Box ensures that devices like fax machines, alarm systems, and traditional telephones can continue functioning effectively, even as copper wire networks are phased out.
Regulatory challenges add complexity to this massive infrastructure transformation. AT&T has already secured regulatory relief in 20 out of 21 states and obtained FCC approval to stop new copper-based orders in 60 wire centers across 13 states. The only holdout is California, where negotiations continue.
Consumer advocates have understandably raised concerns about this transition. They worry about its impact on vulnerable populations like seniors, potential increases in communication service costs, the reliability of alternative technologies in rural areas, and accessibility for low-income households.
AT&T CEO John Stankey remains optimistic, believing that upcoming changes in federal leadership will facilitate a smoother process. He sees this not just as a technological upgrade but as a necessary evolution in telecommunications infrastructure.
AT&T’s Copper Network Retirement is Inevitable
More than a simple network replacement, AT&T’s copper network retirement represents a fundamental reimagining of communication infrastructure. While challenges remain, the move reflects an inevitable progression towards more efficient, high-speed communication technologies.
The transition to digital communication infrastructure is complex, and solutions like DataRemote’s POTS IN A BOX® demonstrate the telecommunications industry’s commitment to ensuring every customer is included during this technological evolution. As we bid farewell to copper wire networks, we’re witnessing the dawn of a more connected, technologically advanced era of communication.
