From PCMAG · Michael Kan · · 1m 10s
Verizon Plans to End Copper Landlines by 2026
Verizon aims to end copper landlines by 2026, sparking concerns about rural service gaps.
In brief
Verizon aims to end copper landlines by 2026, sparking concerns about rural service gaps. Rural areas without fiber or cell service risk losing landlines by 2026. Originally reported by PCMAG.
Verizon's copper plan
Verizon applied to the FCC to retire copper landlines across 18 US states by 2026.
Current landline usage
Copper networks serve 12 million locations but only 277,000 residential and business lines remain in use.
Rural service concerns
Residents in remote areas without cell service or fiber face losing landlines by 2026.
FCC approval timeline
Verizon's FCC application will be automatically approved on September 26, 2026, unless notified otherwise.
Alternative service plans
Verizon will offer wireless phone service to customers without fiber networks during the transition.
Consumer complaints
Some rural residents worry wireless alternatives won't work during power outages or storms.
Local government concerns
Virginia's Augusta County says medical alert systems and fax machines may not work with new services.
Real-world impact
A Virginia resident wrote they rely on landlines during power outages and storms for emergency contact.
The main idea
Rural areas without fiber or cell service risk losing landlines by 2026.
