AT&T Copper Shutdown: POTS Replacement & Key Dates (2026)

TL;DR: AT&T is shutting off several old copper services. If your bill shows any of these, you have about 12 months from your notice letter to move to a modern service. I handle the audit, pricing, and clean cutover for business accounts nationwide.

What’s ending

• Remote Call Forwarding (RCF): a paid number that never rings—only forwards to another number.
• FastAccess Business DSL: internet over a phone jack using a DSL/ADSL modem.
• Business Access Lines (POTS): standard copper phone lines (often used for phones, fax, alarms, elevators).
• Unified Messaging: standalone voicemail service billed separately.
• ISDN BRI: older digital lines sometimes used for voice or special devices.

Key deadlines

If you got a notice letter in June 2025, your shut-off date is June 30, 2026.
If you receive a notice by November 14, 2025, your shut-off date is November 15, 2026.
You have 12 months from the date on your letter to switch. After that, service stops.

Note: Some government accounts may be handled differently. Availability varies by location.

How to tell what you have (fast check)

• If your bill says “Remote Call Forwarding” or “RCF” → that’s RCF.
• If your modem plugs into a phone jack and shows DSL/ADSL lights → that’s Business DSL.
• If your bill lists “Business Access Line” or “POTS” → copper phone line.
• If your bill lists “Unified Messaging” or “UM” → standalone voicemail.
• If your bill lists “ISDN BRI” → older digital line.

Best replacements (simple picks)

• Internet: AT&T Internet Air for Business or AT&T Wireless Broadband (primary or failover), and Fiber/Dedicated Internet where available.
• Phones/voice: AT&T Business Voice, AT&T Phone for Business – Advanced, or AT&T Office@Hand for call routing, voicemail, and auto attendants.
• ISDN BRI replacements: AT&T IP Flexible Reach (SIP).
• Alarms/elevators/fax: POTS replacement solutions designed for life-safety and specialty devices.

I match the right product to your address, budget, and devices—then I schedule a clean cutover so there’s no gap in service.

My process (fast and clean)

1. Line audit: identify every copper line on your bill and what it does.
2. Options & pricing: compare 2–3 replacements that fit your site and budget.
3. Cutover plan: schedule and execute with minimal downtime.
4. Wrap-up: verify working features (forwarding, voicemail, alarms) and clean billing.

Ready to migrate?
Get options and pricing here: Contact Curtis

35+ years in wireless. AT&T Solution Provider. One point of contact, nationwide.

FAQ

Do I have to change if it still works today?

Yes—once your 12-month window ends, AT&T shuts the copper service off. Moving early avoids rush installs and missed calls.

Can I keep my phone numbers?

Yes—numbers can be ported to modern services like Business Voice, Office@Hand, or IP Flexible Reach. I handle the porting.

What about alarm panels, elevators, and fax?

Use a POTS replacement designed for life-safety/specialty devices. We test after install to confirm signals clear.

We’re under a contract—are we exempt?

Active commercial contracts are still impacted. Some government accounts may be handled differently—ask me to check.

How fast can we switch?

Most sites can move within a few weeks, depending on address availability and scheduling. I’ll give you a realistic timeline up front.