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UCaaS & Voice
Major Carriers Are Retiring Copper Landlines— Here’s How to Keep Your Business Connected
by Kendal Rudolph
22/04/25
3 min
If your business is still using traditional landlines, you may be running out of time. Major telecom providers like Verizon, AT&T, and CenturyLink have begun retiring their copper-based POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines, with full shutdowns expected by 2029—or sooner.
And the shift is already underway.
Businesses across the country—especially those with remote sites, multi-location operations, or critical emergency lines—are feeling the effects. But the bigger risk? Waiting too long to act.
Let’s break down what’s really happening and how you can prepare.
The copper line countdown has begun—businesses relying on traditional POTS are already seeing the impact.
Key Takeaways
- Copper is going away: Major carriers are shutting down POTS lines by 2029 or sooner.
- Costs are rising fast: Businesses are paying more for outdated, unreliable service.
- Emergency systems are at risk: Alarm lines, elevators, and 911 may fail without an upgrade.
- The FCC cleared the path: Regulations now allow carriers to retire copper with minimal notice.
- ComTec makes the switch easy: We deliver modern, monitored voice solutions—even in rural areas.
Why Are POTS Lines Disappearing?
Maintaining copper infrastructure is expensive, unreliable, and outdated. It can’t keep pace with modern broadband and wireless technology. According to recent data, the U.S. still spends over $40 billion every year maintaining POTS infrastructure.
That’s $40 billion going into a system that’s on its way out.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has supported the move away from copper through a series of orders—most notably FCC Order 19-72, which eased retirement rules and removed obligations for providers to maintain or discount legacy services. This essentially gave telecom companies the green light to stop investing in POTS—and start pulling the plug.
What This Means for Your Business
If your business relies on copper lines for:
- Desk phones
- Fax machines
- Elevators or emergency systems
- Security and fire alarms
- 911 access
- Rural site connectivity
…your service could be at risk.
Carriers are no longer required to maintain service levels or offer alternatives. That means slower repairs, poor voice quality, and even a complete loss of service if you’re not prepared.
Copper is costing billions—but it’s no longer being maintained. Businesses still relying on POTS are on borrowed time.
What About Emergency Lines and 911?
Carriers have promised that 911 service won’t just “go dark” during the transition—but that doesn’t mean they’ll handle the upgrade for you. Businesses are expected to manage the transition on their own, including identifying, funding, and implementing replacement solutions.
And that’s no small task—especially if your internal resources are limited or your environment is complex.
It’s Not Just About Phones Anymore
POTS retirement affects more than just voice lines. Faxing, elevator communication systems, fire alarms, and other critical systems are also tied to copper infrastructure. These aren’t optional services—they’re required for operations, safety, and compliance.
Waiting too long to replace them could result in service disruptions, increased costs, and security risks.
Why This Shift Is So Urgent
- Costs are climbing: Some businesses are now paying over $1,500 per month for a single POTS line.
- Service is declining: As carriers pull back from copper, maintenance takes longer and issues take longer to resolve.
- Infrastructure is aging: Copper is vulnerable to moisture, theft, and physical damage—and outages are harder to detect and repair.
- Technology is evolving: Copper can’t support modern digital communications, video, or monitoring capabilities.
This isn’t just a technology upgrade—it’s a digital transformation. And it’s happening whether your business is ready or not.
A Smarter Way Forward with ComTec Systems
As the major carriers move out, ComTec Systems is moving businesses forward. We’re proud to be ranked among the Top 5 POTS Replacement Providers in the U.S., helping organizations of all sizes make the switch—without the headache.
What we offer:
- Voice systems powered by fiber, cable, or LTE/5G
- 911 and emergency line compliance
- Compatibility with alarms, elevators, and fax systems
- Seamless installation with no operational downtime
- Personalized guidance every step of the way
Whether you’re in a metro area or miles from the nearest city, we’ve got you covered—with hybrid solutions and nationwide reach.
Especially for Rural and Remote Locations
Telecom giants may still be “exploring options” for rural customers—but ComTec already has proven solutions in place. We combine multi-carrier access with flexible delivery models to ensure even the most remote sites stay connected and compliant.
What to Do Next
POTS retirement isn’t just looming—it’s happening right now. And with $40 billion still being spent on aging infrastructure, the longer you wait, the harder (and more expensive) the transition becomes.
Here’s how to get ahead of it:
- Audit your current lines—know what’s still on copper.
- Prioritize systems like alarms, elevators, and faxing.
- Partner with a provider that understands both the risks and the regulations.
Let ComTec review your setup, build a clear migration plan, and deliver the future-proof voice services your business needs.
Copper is going away. Let’s make sure your voice isn’t.
