Do you still have copper-based telecommunication services? Most organizations don’t know if they do or don’t, so why does it matter?
On August 2, 2019, the FCC officially granted telecommunication carriers permission to abandon outdated and degrading copper lines. Per the order, carriers are not only released from maintaining this critical part of the communications infrastructure, but they also are no longer required to make this important element of telecommunications service available to consumers. The order provided a three-year window for customers to move services with a deadline date of August 2, 2022.
Large carriers like AT&T and Verizon are phasing out copper services at a rapid rate and giving customers little time to react. Copper-based data services like T-1 are being completely phased out, and voice services like POTs (Plain Old Telephone Service) and PRI’s are following suit. Twenty states have given approval for carriers to provide a 60-day notice that services will no longer be available.
To help speed up the move, carriers have been steadily increasing prices on these services to make it beneficial to move. AT&T now charges over $100/month for a copper phone line in some areas of the country and that price is only expected to increase.
The most strategic move is to be proactive and understand your options now and make a plan. If you need help in identifying the services you have or options available, our Carrier Services team can help advise you.
In addition to FCC Order 19-72A1, there have been various mandates on Emergency Calling (E911) solutions that organizations should be aware of and compliant with.
Want to learn more or need help assessing your solutions? Visit our contact us page and a member of our team will reach out to you.