FCC Order 19-72: Landline Phase-Out Explained
FCC Order 19-72, adopted on July 26, 2019, fundamentally changed how traditional landline services operate. This shift signals the end of traditional copper-based phone systems, pushing users toward modern digital alternatives.
Users reliant on old phone lines, businesses operating life-safety equipment or still using traditional fax machines need practical alternatives like Fax.Plus.
Why the FCC Is Stepping Away from Copper
Copper landlines have become outdated due to rapid adoption of mobile phones and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol). Maintaining old copper lines is costly and challenging because infrastructure is aging, skilled technicians are scarce, and replacement parts are increasingly unavailable.
This landmark FCC decision removed legacy regulations that required phone companies to provide analog copper-based telephone services at discounted rates. The decision doesn't instantly shut off landlines but permits companies to retire these old networks gradually, freeing resources to build faster broadband and modern infrastructures.
By retiring copper infrastructure, the FCC aims to redirect investment toward high-speed broadband and robust 5G networks, in line with the industry-led petitions, particularly USTelecom’s request in 2018 to modernize legacy systems dating back to the Telecom Act of 1996.
Timelines and Risk Factors at a Glance
1996 The Telecom Act Opens the Market: Telecom Act establishes resale discounts of copper lines, promoting competition.
2018 The Push for Deregulation Begins: USTelecom files a petition prompting FCC review. Their argument? The market has evolved, competition is thriving, and maintaining copper infrastructure is outdated and costly.
July 2019 FCC Grants Relief with Order 19-72: FCC adopts Order 19-72, signaling regulatory relief, paving the way for IP-based and wireless networks to take center stage.
February 2020 The First Shut-Offs Begin: No new sales of analog lines are permitted. Carriers are no longer obligated to offer discounted resale of copper connections.
August 2022 The Official Sunset: Official sunset of regulations; phone companies start phasing out traditional copper lines. Customers start receiving notices that legacy services will be disconnected.
How will it affect you?
Residential Users: Your landline may stop working, many homes use landlines as their primary or only communication method. Alternatives aren’t always available, broadband and cellular services don’t reach every corner of the country.
Businesses: Legal, healthcare, and finance sectors using traditional fax over copper lines will face disruptions. Elevator and security systems may stop responding, many older buildings depend on analog lines for safety and monitoring.
Resellers (CLECs/VARs): Margins are vanishing, resellers face rising costs or the need to abandon Plain Old Telephone Services (POTS) entirely. Customer churn will increase, without affordable resale, clients will find alternatives.
Emergency & Safety Systems: Outages are more likely, IP and cellular systems need power backups and can fail during blackouts. Retrofits are expensive, municipalities, hospitals, and public buildings must overhaul systems to maintain safety standards.
Risk factors if you stick with POTS
Cost Surges: Prices could reach $750 to $1,300 per month per line.
Maintenance Delays: Less priority for repairs, increasing downtime. Longer repair times after severe weather.
Compliance Challenges: Difficulties adhering to newer safety standards and backup requirements.
Best Alternatives to Copper Landlines
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