In a move indicative of the changing landscape of telecommunications, AT&T has announced its plans to phase out its traditional landline phone service across most states by the end of 2029. Michigan is among the states where AT&T will discontinue these services, marking a significant shift towards more modern communication technologies. As reported by ClickOnDetroit, the transition moves away from legacy copper network operations, which AT&T says are no longer efficient nor reliable enough to meet customer needs.

AT&T's CEO John Stankey outlined the company’s forward-looking strategy in a statement, noting the company's growth trajectory and commitment to delivering superior connectivity options. "We’re putting customers first to become the best connectivity provider in America," Stankey said, according to details shared by ClickOnDetroit. Despite the copper network serving only a small percentage of residential users, AT&T has begun working to provide alternatives to ensure continued access to essential services.

However, the plan has faced criticism from those concerned about the implications for rural communities and older populations that rely on landline connectivity, especially where cell service is unreliable. As reported by the Huron Daily Tribune, there are fears that landlines are an indispensable service for these demographics. Despite a decline in landline use—6.7% of Michigan consumers have both a landline and a cellphone, questions about replacement technologies' reliability in emergencies persist. Regina Costa, of The Utility Reform Network, told USA Today, "But if you're going to replace the old network, you have to make sure the new network will work when people need it the most and that it is reliable, that it doesn't die in a power outage."

To address the transition away from copper lines, AT&T has developed a new product named "AT&T Phone - Advanced," which is intended to act as an alternative to traditional landline service. This device functions with an existing landline phone, plugs into a jack, and connects to AT&T's wireless network. The all-new device, priced at $45 a month, was featured in reporting by the Huron Daily Tribune. Susan Johnson, AT&T's executive vice president of wireline transformation and supply chain, has emphasized the commitment to ensuring that customers have alternatives before fully discontinuing the copper-based service.