Verizon Plans to Discontinue Traditional Landline Phone Service in Nine States
Verizon is seeking approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to discontinue traditional copper landline phone service, known as plain old telephone service (POTS), in portions of nine states. The company cited rising costs and obsolescence of copper infrastructure as key reasons for phasing out this legacy system. Verizon estimates that approximately 277,000 residential and business lines will be affected across Arizona, Delaware, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, and Virginia. The decision aligns with the broader industry shift toward wireless technologies driven by increasing data consumption in the U.S. In its 2026 first-quarter earnings report, Verizon outlined plans to invest $16 billion to $16.5 billion on capital expenditures this year for mobile network upgrades, fiber expansion, and broadband services. The company emphasized that retiring copper lines will allow it to redirect resources toward modern high-speed networks. Verizon has assured customers of alternatives such as fiber or wireless options with features like battery backup during power outages. AT&T is also transitioning away from its legacy landline network, expected to be completed by 2029.
Topics: FCC approval request landline phone service shutdown legacy infrastructure costs Verizon