Verizon seeks FCC permission to sunset most copper landline phones

Father Time comes for us all, and landline phones are no exception.

Verizon announced on its website that it is seeking permission from the FCC to phase out traditional copper landline service. Under the proposal, customers with no access to an FCC-approved alternative, such as wireless or fiber optic service, would be able to keep their landline.

Verizon's post doesn't have a specific timeline, but local news outlet WWNY in Watertown, NY is reporting that the FCC will respond by the end of November, and that some customers have already received letters informing them of the proposed change. The idea is to get rid of the older technology and replace it with more modern alternatives for as many people as possible, according to Verizon.

Of course, there will always be people left behind by changes like this, especially in rural or remote areas. A local assemblyman told WWNY that some rural parts of the region lack fiber optic access, for example. And people were still reportedly using AOL dial-up internet before the company killed the service last year.

Verizon says customers will be given plenty of advance notice before the changes go into effect, and that emergency services such as 911 will still be available. "If your copper service will be impacted, we will mail you a letter well in advance. It will provide all the details you need, along with a clear timeline to help you smoothly transition to an FCC-approved service option," reads a notice on the Verizon website.

A Verizon spokesperson also told Mashable that for customers who prefer physical landline phones, the devices will continue to work. However, they will no longer be connected by the old copper network. Customers will also be able to keep their phone numbers, according to the Verizon website.

The proposal will still need FCC approval. According to WWNY, the FCC will respond to the request by Nov. 30.

UPDATE: Sep. 18, 2026, 3:59 p.m. EDT This story and the original headline have been updated to clarify the proposed change. Verizon says that customers without access to alternatives will be able to continue using their landline service.