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AT&T's Copper Landline Shutdown Begins in Middle Tennessee, Raising Alarms for Safety Systems
AT&T starts disconnecting traditional phone lines across dozens of Middle Tennessee wire centers this Sunday, leaving homeowners and businesses scrambling to replace everything from fax and elevator lines to fire alarms and emergency phones.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. â AT&T will begin disconnecting traditional copper landline service across dozens of Middle Tennessee wire centers this Sunday, following approval from the Federal Communications Commission, a move that could leave some homes and businesses without critical safety systems unless they act quickly.
The transition, which AT&T has until 2029 to complete statewide, affects not just household voice service but a web of older technologies that still rely on copper lines: fax machines, security systems, elevator emergency phones, and fire alarms.
"You're talking about fax lines, security lines, elevator lines â especially when it comes to condos, townhomes, business centers, medical plazas," said Stephen Burton of One Call Technology, a Franklin-based firm that is already helping clients prepare. "That's where you're going to see the vast majority of them."
Burton warned that many customers are unaware the change applies to them. "Different carriers are shutting off at different times, but people don't think it applies to them necessarily yet," he said.
The shutdown is part of a broader industry shift away from copper-based networks toward fiber and other digital services. While the FCC has established consumer protections, the transition carries risks â particularly for those who depend on landlines during power outages.
Traditional copper phone lines often continue working when the electricity goes out. Many newer phone services require power, so customers should ask providers about backup battery options to ensure they can still make calls during an emergency.
Under the FCC rules, providers must give advance notice before retiring copper service: at least 180 days for business customers and 90 days for residential customers, depending on the type of transition. They must also explain available alternatives in a neutral way and cannot use the required notices to pressure customers into buying new services.
For those with safety systems like fire alarms and emergency phones, experts say it's time to act now â before those systems stop working.
"Reach out to a company. There are a lot in the Middle Tennessee area that you can talk with who are well aware of what's going on and can hold your hand and walk you through it," Burton said.
Another concern: cost. With pricing regulations no longer in place for older services, some customers have seen the price of their copper-based lines climb dramatically. Consumer advocates say customers should review their bills carefully and compare options before the transition is complete.
The shutdown begins this weekend and will roll out across multiple communities in the region. Affected customers should have received notice from AT&T, but those who haven't are urged to contact their provider to understand how their service will change and what alternatives are available.