AT&T to Transition illinois Customers Away From Traditional Landlines
AT&T is phasing out traditional landline phone service in Illinois, shifting customers to a digital home phone service called AT&T Phone – Advanced (AP-A) over the next several years.The utility states the move is driven by declining demand for legacy landline technology and the availability of more affordable options.
While AT&T will continue to serve existing landline customers until service is officially discontinued in 2027, new customers can no longer sign up for traditional landline service as of October 15th. Current customers are also restricted from making changes to their existing landline plans, according to the Citizens Utility Board (CUB).
Despite the transition, AT&T assures customers that no one will be left without access to voice or 911 service. The phasing out process will be gradual, with multiple notifications provided to customers throughout. Illinois law requires AT&T to provide over a year of advance notice before filing to discontinue service with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
According to a July 2024 study by the Chamber of Commerce, over 3 million Illinois adults still utilize landline phones, the majority of which are serviced by AT&T. Though, the utility reports a 96% decrease in orders for traditional landline voice services as 2014, with less than 2% of eligible customers currently using the technology.
CUB Communications Director Jim Chilsen argues that a significant number of long-term, loyal AT&T customers still value the reliability and affordability of traditional landline service. He expressed concern over recent price increases for landlines, which he believes pushed customers towards more expensive and less reliable alternatives, ultimately leading to the service’s elimination.
AT&T Phone – Advanced functions similarly to a traditional landline and is offered at a comparable or lower cost. customers switching to AP-A can retain their existing phone number and utilize their current telephone equipment. The service is also compatible with devices like fax machines, alarm systems, elevators, and medical monitoring devices.
Unlike traditional landlines,AP-A utilizes AT&T’s wireless network and offers a broadband connection backup during outages. It also includes features like caller ID and call blocking.
Concerns about the potential impact of this change were voiced by Illinois residents as early as 2017, when AT&T began lobbying for deregulation bills that CUB warned could lead to the end of landline service. One resident questioned, “What would I do? How would I talk to my friends?”
