AT&T has announced plans to end its traditional landline phone service in Illinois, shifting customers to a digital home phone system over the next two years. The transition will see customers gradually moved from copper-based landlines to newer options like AT&T Phone – Advanced, a digital service that is often less expensive and offers additional features. Current customers can retain their existing landline service until its full discontinuation in 2027, according to an AT&T spokesperson.
As of October 15th, landline service is no longer available to new customers, and changes to existing service are not permitted, according to the Illinois Citizens Utility Board (CUB). AT&T has sent letters notifying customers of these changes. Despite the phase-out, AT&T assured that no customer will be left without access to voice or 911 emergency services. Over 3 million Illinois adults had a landline phone as of July 2024, according to research from the Chamber of Commerce, with most serviced by AT&T. However, the company notes that orders for traditional landlines have dropped 96% since 2014, with fewer than 2% of eligible customers still using legacy landline technology.
CUB Communications Director Jim Chilsen expressed concern for long-standing customers who rely on traditional phone services, noting the reliability and affordability that landlines offer.
AT&T Phone – Advanced (AP-A), the new digital phone service, operates similarly to a traditional landline but uses AT&T’s wireless network. Customers can keep their existing phone numbers and use their current telephones and devices, such as fax machines and medical monitors. AP-A also includes features like caller ID and spam call blocking and allows continued connectivity during outages by using broadband as a backup.
Illinois law requires AT&T to provide customers with more than a year’s notice before filing to discontinue service with the FCC. The company will notify customers several times throughout the phase-out process.
For more information, customers are encouraged to contact AT&T or visit their website.