AT&T copper lines in Illinois: what's changing
AT&T is ending its copper phone lines in Illinois, business lines first. If your alarm panel, elevator phone, fax or main lines still run on AT&T copper, now is the time to list them and plan the move.
A recent AT&T bill is enough to start. We'll tell you which lines are affected and what we'd replace them with.
What's changing
- Oct 2025
AT&T stopped selling traditional landlines to new home customers in Illinois
Existing customers kept their service for now. Source: Citizens Utility Board
- Oct 5, 2026
AT&T asked the FCC to end business copper lines in Illinois and 34 other states
The filing covers business landlines sold as PrimePath or as Business Local Exchange Service, including lines used for PBX trunks and ISDN (FCC docket 26-276). Source: FCC public notice
- Nov 5, 2026
The FCC request is set to be granted automatically
Unless the FCC steps in, AT&T can then end those business lines on the dates it gives its customers in writing. Source: FCC public notice
- Mar 15, 2027
AT&T home landlines in Illinois end on or after this date
That is the date in AT&T's letters to residential customers, after state officials approved the change. Source: Citizens Utility Board
Consolidated Communications has also filed to end legacy phone service in several Illinois towns where it has fiber. See the filings by Illinois town, or check a phone number.
Check your line or town
Enter a phone number, ZIP code or town to see which filings apply to it.
Illinois towns
Each town page lists the filings for its exchange, and you can get an email when a new one names it.
What usually runs on these lines
Phones are usually only part of it. Before anything changes, find out what else is connected to your AT&T lines:
- Main business lines and fax lines
- Phone systems on PBX trunks or ISDN
- Fire alarm and security panels that dial out
- Elevator emergency phones
- Gate and door call boxes
- Card terminals, ATMs and other dial-up equipment
Fire alarm and elevator replacements have to satisfy your fire marshal or elevator inspector, so we check with them, and with your alarm or elevator company, before anything is installed.
How we move them
- Find every line. We go through your AT&T bills and the building and list every copper line, what it is connected to and the date that applies to it.
- Plan each line. Phones move to business VoIP and keep their numbers. Alarm, elevator and gate lines move to Ooma AirDial, which uses cellular with battery backup and works with the equipment you already have. Lines nobody uses get cancelled.
- Switch over. We order the replacements, coordinate the install with your alarm or elevator company, test each line, and only then cancel the copper.
We work remotely with Illinois businesses; Ooma's technicians handle any installation on site. More about copper line replacement
Questions about AT&T copper lines in Illinois
Does this affect my business line?
If your business has AT&T copper lines sold as PrimePath or as Business Local Exchange Service, yes. Those are the services in AT&T's FCC filing (docket 26-276), which covers Illinois. Lines from another phone company, or AT&T lines already on fiber or VoIP, are not part of it.
When will my line be shut off?
AT&T can end these business lines after November 5, 2026, on the date it gives each customer in writing. Watch for that letter, and plan the move before the date in it rather than after.
What about home phone lines?
AT&T's letters to Illinois home customers say traditional landline service ends on or after March 15, 2027. The Citizens Utility Board has more on what home customers can do.
Will my fire alarm or elevator phone still work?
Not on copper once the line is gone. Ooma AirDial replaces the line over cellular with battery backup and works with most existing panels and elevator phones. We check with your alarm or elevator company, and your fire marshal or inspector, before anything is installed.
Do we have to switch to AT&T's replacement?
No. AT&T will offer its own replacement, but you can move each line to whatever fits it best. We compare the options and you choose.
Do you work in Illinois?
Yes. We plan and coordinate everything remotely; Ooma's technicians handle any installation on site.
Get a plan for your lines
Tell us what runs on your phone lines. We'll tell you which are affected and what we'd replace them with. No obligation.
Based on public FCC filings, carrier notices and telephone exchange data. Not legal or regulatory advice.
Rather talk it through?
Call 623-307-5548. Have a recent AT&T bill handy if you can.