Important Announcement from AT&T: It's Official, It Will Affect Thousands of Americans

AT&T recently reported a radical change in its telecommunications infrastructure. The company has decided to gradually eliminate the traditional copper telephone lines that have formed the basis of communications in the country. This process has already begun and will be completed by the end of 2029.

It plans to do away with copper lines in the 21 states where it operates, a move that marks the end of an era. Copper lines were essential for telephone communications for decades. But they will be replaced by more modern technologies, such as fiber optics and wireless networks.

AT&T Gives the Reasons for the Change

The change proposed by AT&T is not a whim, but a response to several technical and economic challenges. The old copper lines have proven to be increasingly ineffective and costly to keep. The infrastructure, which is over 70 years old, has become vulnerable to various factors such as storms, floods, and is also a frequent target of theft.

From an operational perspective, they argue that traditional lines require a considerable amount of energy to operate. This makes them less efficient compared to more advanced technologies. Fiber optic networks, for example, are faster, more reliable, and have a lower environmental impact.

Additionally, keeping the copper network involves intense manual labor, which increases the company's operating costs. Another key factor is that only a small fraction of users still use copper lines. Currently, only 5% of AT&T's customers in the United States rely on this technology.

What Consequences Will It Have for Users?

AT&T's announcement has caused concern, especially among certain sectors of the population. Copper lines are essential in emergency situations, such as blackouts or natural disasters. They can still function when other networks go down.

Additionally, many people, especially older ones, rely on these landlines to communicate, as they don't use mobile phones. Security systems, such as fire alarms and elevator communications, also operate with copper technology. The elimination of this infrastructure will force many residential and commercial users to adapt to new solutions.

It is worth noting that in California, AT&T will not completely eliminate copper lines. This is due to local regulations that require the company to keep this type of service as part of its obligation as a provider of last resort. However, in the other states where it operates, the elimination of the copper network is a fact.