UNDATED—(AVC News)–It has been in most of our homes for over 100 years, but may be going away.
Reports indicated that the iconic landline telephone is being phased out in the U.S. by 2029 with many carriers beginning the process as soon as next year.
Traditional copper wire landline phone carriers such at AT&T, Verizon and Frontier earlier this year filed with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) to gain permission to begin the process.
The companies argue that copper wire voice technology is expensive to maintain, a frequent victim of vandalism, slow and has become an outdated technology.
They point to a CDC report saying that an estimated 76% of all Americans only use wireless telephone service. The report adds that 1.3% of Americans use landlines phones exclusively. That down from 43% only two decades ago.
However, the problem isn’t just as simple as cutting phone lines.
Many Americans, for various reasons, do not have cellular or internet broadband service. Many rural and remote areas of the country have spotty, if any, cellular network service. Also, many elderly Americans find using a cellular phone confusing.
In addition, another concern is phone service during a power outage. Traditional phone lines operate on their own power source, thus, maintaining phone service during an outage.
Your landline phone just won’t go dead without warning.
Carriers are required to provide advanced notices and generally will not disconnect service unless an FCC approved alternative, such as fiber, wireless home phone or mobile replacement, has been establish.
Both Verizon and AT&T have said that they will be evaluating individual locations to ensure residents have other options. If none are available, it’s possible that some customers could remain on copper wire connections.
Most transition plans allow customers to keep their existing phone numbers, and 911 capabilities are maintained (often with battery backup units included for power outages).
Current landline users will be notified by mail of the changes. Prior to that, customers may wish to contact their carrier and see how the change will affect them. If at all. And, what options are available.
Customers should also look into how a change over will effect home security systems, fax machines or medical alert systems. When considering a different phone system also inquire as to functions during power failures. You may also file a complaint to the FCC.
