CenturyLink Will End Iowa Copper Landline Service
The company is transitioning customers to digital services starting October 18, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Telecommunications
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CenturyLink will discontinue traditional copper-wire landline service in 20 Iowa cities beginning October 18, 2026. This transition moves customers toward the company's digital home phone alternative.
Why it matters
The shift away from legacy copper-wire infrastructure is driven by a significant decline in customers relying on traditional landline technology. CenturyLink is modernizing its networks in accordance with Federal Communications Commission standards.
CenturyLink is phasing out its copper-wire network in 20 Iowa communities to replace them with a digital home phone service. This digital alternative is engineered for compatibility with existing security systems and medical alert devices.
The players
CenturyLink
CenturyLink is a major telecommunications provider that offers various voice, broadband, and managed network services.
AT&T
AT&T is a multinational telecommunications holding company and one of the largest providers of mobile and fixed-line services.
Iowa Utilities Commission
The Iowa Utilities Commission is the state agency responsible for regulating public utilities and telecommunications services within Iowa.
Federal Communications Commission
The Federal Communications Commission is the independent U.S. government agency that regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.
The details
CenturyLink is migrating subscribers to its digital service to meet evolving network requirements. The transition follows federal regulatory guidelines aimed at updating communication infrastructure for modern standards.
Timeline
October 18, 2026: CenturyLink ends copper landline service in 20 cities.
October 30, 2026: AT&T discontinues landline services in Iowa.
The Tech Race
The move reflects a broader industry-wide transition from aging analog copper networks to robust digital and fiber-based communication systems. This shift renders legacy infrastructure obsolete as companies prioritize modern platforms that support higher data requirements.
Customers in affected cities must transition to the digital home phone service to maintain landline connectivity. The digital service remains compatible with existing home security and medical alert systems, ensuring users retain those essential features.
The takeaway
Legacy copper systems are rapidly being replaced by digital alternatives as telecommunications providers streamline their operations. Residents should review their current service contracts to ensure a smooth transition to digital phone options before the service ends.
Further reading
Learn more about local industry changes in the Telecommunications section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KCCI.
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Do you still rely on a traditional copper-wire landline for your home phone service?
