Copper Retirement

AT&T Begins Landline Shutdowns in Middle Tennessee as Copper Retirement Expands Across 18 States

AT&T has begun discontinuing copper landline services in Middle Tennessee, marking the start of a broader, multi-year transition approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). While the phase-out affects approximately 90,000 customers across 18 states, experts warn that rural and elderly residents may face isolation if reliable alternatives are not available. The shift is driven by the high cost of maintaining aging infrastructure and the scarcity of copper, though concerns remain about service continuity during power outages and in remote areas.