The constant FCC warnings about the end of POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) copper lines over the last decade may seem an empty threat, but the transition is quickly becoming a reality.
This July, the FCC ruled to streamline the copper retirement process and require only “reasonable public notice” — or just 90 days — to affected customers before POTS is decommissioned. Now, AT&T aggressively advanced copper phase-outs, confirming a nationwide freeze effective October 15, 2025, for all POTS copper lines.
SpyGlass shares critical details you need to know about the end of POTS and steps to take for a cost-effective copper-free future.
Get the Copper Phase-Out Facts
According to AT&T’s notice to wholesale resell partners, POTS lines in 20 states will be “frozen” after October 15 with no moves, adds, or changes permitted. That will rise to 21 if and when California decides to join the copper phase-out party.
While POTS is included, it’s important to note that AT&T’s initiative is a move away from all legacy copper-based services.
“This change applies to all traditional wireline services such as Centrex, Remote Call Forward, ISDN PRI, and others,” explains Steve Fisher, Vice President, Strategic Services at SpyGlass. “AT&T is the first ILEC (Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier) to force the issue, and we anticipate others, including Verizon, Frontier, Lumen, and Windstream, to follow.”
According to Fisher, when a carrier wants to offer regulated services in a state, it must submit a detailed schedule of its rates, terms, and conditions — or tariff — to the state’s regulatory authority. This will ensure everyone receives the same services at the same price under the same rules.
“They will then detail what the monthly or tariff price is and what discounts can be offered with term contracts ranging from 12 months, and as long as 84 months,” he states. “Discounts are applied to the tariff based upon the amount of spend you commit to and how long of a term you sign.”
Recent FCC Approval Advances AT&T’s Steps
The FCC recently approved AT&T to discontinue legacy services in about 10% of its footprint. That approval — a significant milestone for AT&T — is set to take effect in June 2026. It also gives AT&T the capability to initiate the migration process immediately, including customer notifications and some technician visits; forced migrations won’t start until next June.
What is AT&T really saying to customers?
- They will no longer offer term agreements.
- And, after October 15, 2025, they will no longer allow you to move the service to wholesale partners.
Be warned that AT&T is going to skyrocket the rates for these services to the egregious tariff rates, offering no solutions to reduce them, cautions Fisher.
“Ultimately, the customer will be forced to pay or change the services,” he stated. “AT&T will hold them hostage by claiming they won’t waive the large spikes unless they install the new AT&T alternative.”
Migration: STAT
Businesses impacted by AT&T’s October 15 POTS deadline should start their migration process immediately to avoid costly disruptions, fee increases, and regulatory compliance risks.
“AT&T’s notice, and the FCC halving the transition notice time increases the urgency to migrate (to alternative services) 10-fold,” warns Fisher. “Our clients have a general idea of what purpose copper serves for their lines, but usually not all.”
Initial migration steps include:
⚠️ Audit Existing Lines and Systems: A SnapShot Audit can identify all lines and dependent systems (alarms, elevators, fax machines, E911, security systems) that still use POTS. This step is essential to plan an organized and effective migration.
“It takes time to research and, in some cases, physically trace the [POTS] lines to ensure they are not tied to a mission-critical line. Once that is done, you must obtain paperwork from a provider for the new services and ultimately sign it.”
— Steve Fisher, Vice President, Strategic Services, SpyGlass
⚠️ Evaluate Digital Alternatives: SpyGlass trusted technology expense management (TEM) experts guide POTS replacement solutions suitable for business-critical systems, including VoIP/SIP, wireless, and other POTS alternatives.
⚠️ Get the SpyGlass Helping Hand: After a SnapShot Audit’s savings opportunities are identified and agreed upon, SpyGlass client service experts can begin the local number porting process for critical phone numbers to avoid last-minute rushes that may cause delays or service outages. SpyGlass will also coordinate with all relevant vendors to time equipment installation and testing, minimize downtime, and maintain compliance, in addition to identifying rebates or migration support programs.
Tap Into the Trusted Tech Advisors
SpyGlass trusted tech advisors offer mission-critical guidance on the migration of POTS copper lines to alternatives. We’re here to provide pivotal tech roadmap advice on technology solutions, vendor selection, and contract negotiations to ensure the best solutions at the best price.
With a focus on forward-looking services, SpyGlass helps you rethink your approach to technology savings and procurement across every industry, delivering measurable results beyond immediate cost reductions.
