What the copper retirement means for small businesses, and how to switch without losing your number.

SERVICE ALERT: AT&T can begin shutting off copper landlines in affected areas on November 15, 2026. Other carriers are filing to do the same.

Nov 15, 2026 90 days
First AT&T copper cutoffs can begin Minimum notice a carrier now has to give

If your business still runs on a traditional copper landline, your phone company may already have sent you a letter saying it’s going away. Under new FCC rules, carriers can now retire copper lines on as little as 90 days’ notice, and Verizon, Lumen and others are moving in the same direction as AT&T.

For a small business, this isn’t a someday problem. It’s a this-quarter problem.

What’s happening

For decades, business phones ran over copper wire to a local phone exchange. Carriers say that network now costs too much to maintain for the small share of customers still on it. In 2025 and 2026 the FCC streamlined the approval process, so retirements can move much faster than the six-month runway customers used to get.

When your line is retired, your carrier will offer a replacement, usually its own internet-based landline service or a mobile plan. You don’t have to take their option. You only have to pick something before the dial tone goes quiet.

Does this affect you? The 60-second check

Question If yes
Do you pay a phone company (not a cable or internet company) for a business line? You may be on copper
Did you get a letter or email about “copper retirement” or “service discontinuance”? You’re affected
Does your phone keep working in a power outage with only the phone cord plugged in? Common sign of copper

The three replacements you’ll be offered

Option What it is Watch out for
Your carrier’s replacement Their own internet or wireless “landline” Often priced like the old landline, with new fees
A mobile line A cell phone as your business number Mixes personal and business calls; hard to share with staff
A business VoIP line A dedicated business number over your internet, on a desk phone, your cell or both Pick one with E911 and no long contract

Why a VoIP line is the easiest switch

VoIP (voice over internet protocol) is what most businesses moved to years ago. For a shop, salon, contractor or home office, it means:

  • Keep your number. In most cases your existing number can be ported to your new service, so customers never notice the change.
  • Answer anywhere. Calls ring on a desk phone at the counter and on the app on your cell when you’re out.
  • Pay less. magicJack for BUSINESS starts at $15.99 per line per month with unlimited US and Canada calling, voicemail, call forwarding, call transfer and E911 included. No contract.
  • Look bigger. Add an Auto Attendant (“Press 1 for appointments”) or a toll-free number when you’re ready.

Important exception: some copper lines don’t carry customer calls at all. Fire alarm panels, elevator emergency phones, security systems and older card terminals may be wired to copper. Those need a dedicated replacement from your alarm or equipment provider, so list them now.

Your switch-before-shutoff checklist

  • Find your last phone bill and note every number you pay for
  • Mark which numbers customers call and which run equipment (alarm, fax, card machine)
  • Check your mail and email for a retirement notice and its date
  • Choose a replacement for your customer-facing lines
  • Start the number port at least two weeks before your shutoff date
  • Call your alarm or elevator provider about any equipment lines
  • Set your E911 address on the new service

Don’t wait for the final notice

When a retirement can happen in 90 days, the businesses that get hurt are the ones waiting for the last letter. Switching a phone line takes minutes. Winning back customers after a week of “this number is not in service” takes much longer.

Switch before your carrier’s deadline.
Get a magicJack for BUSINESS line for $15.99 a month and keep your number.
START YOUR SWITCH