Your Landline is Not Being Shut Down — Yet! But Be Careful…
Understanding the Shift in Landline Services
A new wave of landline disconnections is on the rise in the U.S, and you might be next if you’re not careful. Major telecommunications providers like AT&T, Frontier, and Verizon are gradually shutting down their copper-based Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) infrastructure, citing high maintenance costs.
This trend is aligned with the FCC Order 1972-A, which outlines how most providers are moving away from POTS lines in favor of fiber-optic services.
But why is this happening? The reasons may seem complex, but it boils down to profitability. Maintaining the old infrastructure isn’t lucrative for the providers.
They want customers to bundle multiple services, allowing them to charge more and increase their revenue. It’s a strategy designed to make you spend more money.
Of course, the newer technology replacing the old one has its merits. But it comes at a significant drawback when it comes to integrating analog systems, such as credit card machines, alarm systems, fax, elevator phones & rotary phones to name a few.
What’s the Real Cost of Keeping Your Landline?
The typical landline service costs around $100 or more per month unless you qualify for special discounts like those offered to veterans, AARP members, or under the Lifeline program. This steep price provides only the most basic features.
Even worse, these costs are not fixed — they’re likely to keep rising unless you quit using the service and switch to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) or other alternatives. Unfortunately, most providers are moving in this direction.
This shift has a significant impact on specific audiences in the U.S., particularly senior citizens who still rely heavily on landlines. If you haven’t received a notice from your provider about service shutdowns, don’t panic or make any hasty decisions.
What to Do if You Receive a Notice?
If you receive a letter or marketing copy from a company you’ve never heard of, do your research:
- Look Them Up: Check their profile on trusted platforms like BBB.org, Trustpilot.com to see customer feedback and service history.
- Confirm with Your Provider: Always call your current provider to verify any claims about service shutdowns.
- Beware of Scams: Don’t believe any notices or emails that sound alarmist. Ensure you get official communication from your provider before making any decisions.
Understanding FCC Order 1972-A
It’s important to know that the FCC Order 1972-A isn’t a mandate requiring all landlines to be shut down. It’s more of a guideline that supports the transition to modern infrastructure. However, companies can leverage this order to pressure customers into switching services, often to more expensive packages.
When Should You Consider Switching?
If you notice that your landline bill is increasing month over month, that’s a sign it might be time to look for alternatives. This strategy is a subtle push to make you abandon the service as it becomes unaffordable.
Corporations rarely prioritize their customers’ interests — they’re driven by profit margins.
Take Action Wisely
- Don’t feel pressured if you receive a suspicious notice about a landline service shutdown. Always verify the facts.
- Understand what FCC Order 1972-A really means — it’s not a compulsory rule.
- Keep an eye on your bill. If it keeps rising, consider exploring better deals from other providers.
Conclusion
It’s unfortunate to see telecom providers taking advantage of people who depend on copper landline services.
Stay informed, be vigilant, and make decisions based on facts, not fear.
Remember, your provider’s goal is to provide you with the best deal for your home or personal use — not necessarily to increase their profits.
