The Impending Sunset of DSL & POTS Lines: What Every Business Needs to Know
- Gib Davis
- Sep 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 8
For decades, DSL and POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) over copper lines have been the backbone of phone and “last-mile” internet service in the U.S. But now, national telecom providers like AT&T and Verizon, under shifting FCC rules and dwindling demand, are planning to retire these services. That means businesses still relying on copper lines—even for “just a few” analog phone lines, elevators, alarms, security systems, or fax machines—need to plan for a transition.
What’s Changing & Why
FCC Regulatory Changes & Copper Retirement Speed-Up
As of March 20, 2025, the FCC moved to streamline the approvals required for retiring copper networks. POTS Replacement
In recent years, requirements that forced providers to maintain old copper infrastructure—regulations for unbundled loops and resale of analog POTS lines—have been relaxed. Channel Futures+1
AT&T’s Timeline for Ending DSL & POTS
AT&T, the nation's largest provider of copper line phone service, has officially accelerated its plans to retire legacy copper. Effective October 15, 2025 they will no longer accept moves, adds, or changes for legacy POTS lines across 66% of their network—years earlier than the previously estimated 2029 date. In many regions, decommissioning is already underway, leaving customers relying on legacy POTS lines at IMMEDIATE RISK of disconnection. OomaBlogOct2nd2025
Cost & Reliability Issues with Legacy Systems
The cost to maintain copper infrastructure is rising sharply; many businesses report large price increases for legacy POTS lines. Channel Futures+1
Copper lines are more prone to outages and signal degradation over distance and weather. The support infrastructure is aging, and technicians, parts, etc., are harder to sustain. Mettel+1
What This Means for Businesses
If your business depends on copper-based phone lines (POTS) or DSL internet—or uses them for secondary services like alarm lines, elevator phones, fax lines—you'll one day be forced to migrate: either because support is withdrawn, cost becomes prohibitive, or service is degraded.
Some “POTS-in-a-box” / VoIP for POTS replacement options are being developed and offered to meet regulatory requirements (e.g., for emergency lines), while providing modern reliability and features. Channel Futures+2Mettel+2
What to Do Now: A Business Action Plan
Step | Action Item |
1. Audit your current copper services | Make a list of all existing POTS lines, DSL circuits, and where they are used. Which ones are critical (alarms, safety, emergency) vs convenience. |
2. Assess alternatives | VoIP, fiber-based internet, wireless backups. Many providers now offer digital or IP-based versions of services that mimic POTS reliability. |
3. Plan timing | Knowing that providers are targeting 2029 for full copper retirement (for AT&T), earlier in many regions, plan ahead rather than being forced to migrate on short notice. |
4. Budget & procurement | Factor in costs for new hardware, installation, possibly redundancy/backups. Many businesses find savings in monthly service cost once on digital platforms. |
5. Engage with your telecom/technology advisor | You’ll want a partner who knows all existing providers, can get you alternatives, help with quotes, installation, and support in the transition. |
Why Genesis Business Advisors Is Your Partner for This Transition from DSL & POTS
At Genesis Business Advisors, we’re watching these changes closely. We help businesses by:
Identifying which lines and circuits you'll need to replace, and with what.
Getting quotes from multiple providers so you can choose the best combination of cost, reliability, and support.
Managing vendor agreements, installation, and troubleshooting.
Providing ongoing support so that if a better service appears (say fiber in your area), we can help you switch without unnecessary delay.
Bottom Line
The era of DSL and copper-based POTS lines is drawing to a close. With providers like AT&T that have begun the eliminatiokn of copper-based phone and internet service, the time to act is now. Businesses that wait risk surprise shutdowns, inflated costs, and loss of critical communications services.
If you still have copper phone or DSL services, reach out to Genesis Business Advisors today. We’ll help you map out your migration path, keeping costs down, service up, and worry out of the future.
919-371-8405
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