AT&T is further shrinking its copper wire network.

There was a time before cell phones when pay phones were common in cities. Families typically had one to three landlines. To hear sports scores, weather, stock updates, or global news, people could call specialized phone lines that charged per minute, such as Sportsphone (976-1313) in New York.

Although technology has advanced significantly since then, some older systems remain but are gradually being discontinued. AT&T, which has provided phone service in the U.S. since 1885, has been authorized by the FCC to discontinue copper services in about 500 wire centers, representing about 10% of its legacy copper network. The company was originally incorporated as a subsidiary of Bell Telephone, founded in 1877 by Alexander Graham Bell.

AT&T intends to completely phase out its legacy copper network by 2029. Due to the widespread adoption of cellphones, particularly smartphones, and affordable wireless plans from MVNO providers, about 92% of adults in the U.S. now own a smartphone, compared to 35% in 2011.

In March, the FCC began streamlining the process of retiring copper networks used for phone calls for many years. AT&T had to follow specific procedures and obtain approval from each state to discontinue copper networks.

Copper networks may be replaced with fiber, fixed wireless access (FWA), or AT&T’s Phone Advanced, which is a digital voice-over-IP (VoIP) home phone service delivered via an internet connection instead of copper. AT&T must demonstrate to the FCC that Phone Advanced can perform the necessary functions, such as supporting fax machines and medical equipment.

According to Susan Johnson, AT&T’s Executive VP and general manager of Wireline Transformation and Global Supply Chain, some customers fear that eliminating copper networks will render their existing equipment unusable. However, Johnson clarifies that these concerns mainly come from older customers who may not fully understand the technology. They worry about losing the ability to make calls, including 911 calls, which is not the case.

Only 3% of AT&T's customers still use copper services. In some markets, AT&T lacks wireless coverage and cannot offer Phone Advanced. Johnson stated that satellite or other connectivity options might be considered to ensure that all customers maintain access to 911 and voice services.

AT&T is initially targeting "wireless-first" markets without residential fiber deployment for copper removal, aiming to eliminate copper subscribers in these areas by the end of 2027. However, not all states have approved AT&T's copper retirement plans. For instance, California considers AT&T the Carrier of Last Resort (COLR), requiring it to provide landlines in certain areas upon request.

Last year, California denied AT&T's request to drop its COLR designation because the carrier did not find another phone company to assume the role. Johnson said that AT&T is still collaborating with California policymakers and the Public Utilities Commission to determine a path toward obtaining state-level relief.

Additionally, a new book titled "Iconic Phones: Revolution at Your Fingertips" is scheduled to be released in a few months, chronicling the technological revolution of the 21st century.