The short answer: phone companies are retiring the old copper wires that carry traditional landlines, but your home phone service doesn’t just disappear. The FCC requires your phone company to notify you and get FCC approval before it ends a service, and to make sure a working replacement is available (FCC). Most people switch to a home phone that runs over the internet (often called VoIP) or to a cell phone. Before you switch, check backup power, 911, and any medical alert or alarm system that uses your line.
What’s actually happening
The FCC calls this the “tech transition.” Copper networks are expensive to maintain and less reliable in bad weather, so companies are replacing them with fiber, wireless and satellite service (FCC). Most households have already moved on: the FCC says 76% of adults live in wireless-only homes, and only about 5% of households still have a copper landline (FCC).
Your protections
- Notice and approval: your phone company must notify customers and get FCC approval before it permanently ends copper voice service (FCC).
- A replacement must be available: for example, a cable company’s home phone service or 4G/5G mobile service (FCC).
- 911 still works: FCC rules make sure you can reach 911 whatever technology your phone uses (FCC).
- You can comment: customers can file objections or comments on a company’s plan at fcc.gov/notice.
- “Grandfathered” service: a company may stop selling the old service to new customers but keep it for existing ones for a while, until it’s permanently discontinued (FCC).
What to check before you switch
- Ask your phone company what kind of service you have now, whether upgrades are planned in your area, and whether you’ll need new equipment (FCC).
- Plan for power outages. A phone that runs over fiber or the internet may stop working in a power outage unless you have a backup battery. Ask whether the company provides one, and learn how to test and maintain it (FCC). Keep a charged cell phone handy as a backup.
- Check every device that uses your line. Medical alert pendants, health monitors, home security alarms and fax machines may need to be tested or updated. Call each company and ask whether it works with the new service (FCC).
- Keep your number. Ask whether you can keep your current phone number when you switch.
- Compare your choices. Enter your address on the FCC’s National Broadband Map to see which home and mobile services are available (FCC).
Watch out for “switch now” scams
Real notices come from the company you already pay, by mail or on your bill. If someone calls or knocks on your door saying your landline is being “shut off today” and you need to pay or give account details, hang up or close the door. Then call your phone company on the number on your bill. See the panic lines scammers use.
Need help?
If your provider isn’t answering your questions, you can file a complaint with the FCC at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov or call 1-888-225-5322 (FCC).
