The "Copper Sunset" is in full swing. While the FCC hasn't issued a single "shut-off" date for the entire country, they have removed the requirement for carriers to maintain these aging networks at regulated rates. As a result, major carriers are aggressively retiring copper infrastructure in favor of fiber and wireless.
As of early 2026, here is the status of the major carriers:
1. AT&T
AT&T is the most vocal about its transition. They have already received FCC approval to discontinue copper service in over 30% of their footprint (roughly 500 wire centers).
The Freeze: In many regions, they have stopped accepting "Moves, Adds, or Changes" (MAC) for existing POTS lines.
The Deadline: They aim to have the "large majority" of their copper retired by the end of 2029, with specific "wireless-first" areas targeted for full decommissioning by the end of 2027.
2. Verizon
Verizon is aggressively moving customers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
The Focus: They are currently decommissioning dozens of central offices (COs) in states like New York, Delaware, and Massachusetts.
The Deadline: Verizon aims to shift all viable customers to fiber or their "Voice Connect" fixed wireless service by 2026–2027. Recent notices in Delaware, for example, show retirement dates as early as May 20, 2026.
3. Lumen (formerly CenturyLink)
Lumen is retiring copper on a geographic basis rather than a nationwide sweep.
The Strategy: They are selling off portions of their local copper business (ILEC assets) to companies like Brightspeed to focus on enterprise fiber. In areas they still manage, they are issuing 90-day notices before shutting down copper segments.
4. Frontier Communications
Frontier is following a "Fiber-First" strategy. While they still support many copper lines, they are actively incentivizing or requiring migrations to fiber in areas where their build-out is complete to reduce the massive maintenance costs of old copper.
Why this matters for you
If you still have POTS lines, you’ve likely noticed extreme price hikes. Carriers are using "price signals" (sometimes increasing bills by 500% or more) to encourage customers to leave voluntarily before the lines are physically cut.
Critical systems often still hiding on POTS:
Fire alarm panels and elevator "help" buttons.
Building entry/intercom systems.
Legacy fax machines and "blue light" emergency phones.
Note: If you receive a "Discontinuance Notice," the FCC usually requires carriers to give you 90 days' notice (though some states like California are fighting for longer protection periods).
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