Tomorrow AT&T & Verizon Will Start to Shut Down Their Traditional Copper Phone Service & DSL Internet
AT&T and Verizon will start discontinuing traditional copper phone service and DSL internet in specific regions, with AT&T beginning November 15 in 18 states and Verizon starting November 16 in 8 states. Both companies are transitioning customers to fiber-optic and wireless alternatives, with AT&T aiming to exit copper operations by 2029. The move affects about 90,000 remaining AT&T customers and is driven by the high maintenance costs of aging infrastructure.
How this was made
The 30-second read
Why it matters
Both AT&T and Verizon are beginning the first wave of copper shutdowns, which may temporarily depress their stock prices while signaling long‑term network upgrades.
Market read
First‑report regulatory approvals for two major U.S. telecoms to end copper services, likely prompting short‑term stock pressure and longer‑term fiber growth.
What to watch
Potential short‑term churn from customers unable to transition quickly, and regulatory pushback in rural areas.
Background
The FCC has streamlined approvals for telecoms to retire aging copper networks, a multi‑year effort to reduce maintenance costs and modernize infrastructure.
Ticker impact
AT&T received FCC authorization to discontinue copper phone service in over 1,000 wire centers, affecting roughly 90,000 customers starting November 15.
likely modest downside as investors price in reduced copper line revenue and transition costs
First report of FCC approval; large cap with material network change; market typically reacts negatively to service retirements.
Verizon obtained FCC approval to end copper landline service in eight states, beginning November 16, and is also retiring DSL internet in those areas.
moderate downside pressure as the market assesses transition costs and subscriber impact
First disclosure of Verizon's copper phase‑out; similar to AT&T, investors may discount future copper line earnings.
Market effects
Telecom sector may see broader scrutiny of legacy infrastructure costs and accelerated fiber rollouts.
Affected states could see increased demand for fiber and 5G services, benefiting local construction and equipment suppliers.
U.S. telecom regulatory actions set a precedent for other markets considering copper retirements.
Counterpoint
The retirements could be positive for long‑term earnings if fiber adoption drives higher-margin subscriptions.
Key entities
- CompanyAT&T
U.S. telecom giant, ticker T.
- CompanyVerizon
U.S. telecom giant, ticker VZ.
- RegulatorFederal Communications Commission
U.S. agency authorizing the copper retirements.
