AT&T to Phase Out Copper Landlines Starting November
AT&T plans to eliminate copper-based landline service, offering cellular and broadband replacements to customers in Kansas and elsewhere.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Telecommunications
Live Poll
Do you trust phone companies to keep rural customers connected when landlines are phased out?
AT&T has scheduled the phaseout of copper-based landline service beginning November 15, 2026, and is offering customers a replacement called AT&T Phone-Advanced that relies on cellular and broadband service. The company said landline services have decreased 96% since 2014 and that the copper technology is difficult to support.
Why it matters
Customers who depend on landlines, particularly in rural areas where cellphones may not work reliably, may need to find alternative service or backup options before the change takes effect. The Citizens' Utility Ratepayer Board has advised customers to contact their provider to understand replacement technology and backup options.
AT&T reports a 96% decline in landline services since 2014, with copper-based technology cited as difficult to support. The stub does not indicate how many remaining copper lines are in service or how many customers have accepted the replacement.
The players
AT&T
AT&T is a major American telecommunications company that provides wireless, broadband and landline phone services across the United States.
Citizens' Utility Ratepayer Board
The Citizens' Utility Ratepayer Board is a Kansas state agency that represents residential and small business utility customers in proceedings before state regulators.
The details
AT&T sent letters to customers outlining plans to eliminate copper-based landlines and is offering AT&T Phone-Advanced, which relies on cellular and broadband services. The company said it would work to address concerns from customers whose service does not meet technical expectations, and some Kansas customers, such as a McLouth resident whose property lacks cellphone reception, have raised concerns about the transition.
Timeline
2014: Landline services began a period of decline that AT&T reports has reached 96%.
November 15, 2026: AT&T's scheduled start date for copper landline phaseouts.
Infrastructure Shift
The planned copper phaseout extends the 96% decline in AT&T landline services reported since 2014 into a formal, scheduled retirement of the copper network. The transition moves customers toward cellular and broadband-based replacements rather than traditional wired phone lines.
Landline customers who rely on copper service may need to switch to cellular or broadband alternatives, and those in areas with poor cellphone coverage may face service gaps. Customers with concerns can contact their provider or file a complaint with the Kansas Corporation Commission's Public Affairs and Consumer Protection Office.
The takeaway
Landline customers should contact AT&T to confirm replacement options and backup plans before their scheduled disconnection date, especially if cellphone or broadband coverage at their home is limited.
What happens next
AT&T plans to begin copper landline phaseouts on November 15, 2026, and affected customers are expected to receive letters specifying their individual disconnection dates.
Further reading
For more on the broader shift in phone service, see Telecommunications coverage on Wisevoter.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wibw.
Live Poll
Do you trust phone companies to keep rural customers connected when landlines are phased out?
