--- title: "The RS&I Dealer Download: The Copper Shutdown Is Ticking - What AT&T's 2029 Landline Exit Means for Businesses & Dealers" description: AT&T will retire copper landline services by 2029. In this episode of The Dealer Download powered by RS&I, host Michael Shiverdecker explains what the copper shutdown means, which business systems are at risk, and how Authorized Dealers can lead proactive migration conversations. --- - [About](https://www.rsiinc.com/home/about-rsi.asp) - Resources > - [Training](https://www.rsiinc.com/home/training-courses.asp) - [EZ-Marketing](https://www.rsiinc.com/home/ez-marketing.asp) - [Marketing Portal](https://www.rsiinc.com/home/marketingportal.asp) - [Product Catalog](https://www.rsiinc.com/catalog/FullPageCatalog.asp) - [Order Products Online](https://www.rsiinc.com/OE/OE.asp) - [Branch Locations](https://www.rsiinc.com/home/about-rsi.asp#rsi_map) - [Careers](https://www.rsiinc.com/home/careers.asp) - [Contact Us](https://www.rsiinc.com/home/about-rsi.asp#contact-us) [![RS&I Logo](https://blog.rsiinc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/Blog/RSI-logos/RSI-logo-white.png?width=100&height=70&name=RSI-logo-white.png)](https://www.rsiinc.com/home/index.asp) - [Log In](https://www.rsiinc.com/home.asp) ### Keep up with the industry, latest news, and insider tips. ![RS&I Dealer Download Podcast](https://blog.rsiinc.com/hs-fs/hubfs/compressed%20dealer%20download%20title%20screen%20image.png?width=1100&height=459&name=compressed%20dealer%20download%20title%20screen%20image.png "RS&I Dealer Download Podcast") # The RS&I Dealer Download: The Copper Shutdown Is Ticking - What AT&T's 2029 Landline Exit Means for Businesses & Dealers WRITTEN BY: [Michael Shiverdecker](https://blog.rsiinc.com/author/michael-shiverdecker) DATE: January 5, 2026 at 12:06 PM **Welcome to *The Dealer Download*, powered by RS&I.** The copper shutdown clock is officially ticking. And for millions of businesses, the implications are bigger than most realize. **AT&T** has confirmed it will retire copper based landline services across its 21 state footprint by the end of 2029. That decision sets a hard deadline on legacy phone infrastructure that many businesses still rely on every day. Elevators, fire alarms, security systems, point of sale terminals, and even fax lines are still running on copper in far more locations than expected. This is not a distant issue. It is an active transition. And many businesses are unprepared. That gap is not a problem. It is an opportunity. In this update episode of *The Dealer Download powered by RS&I*, host **Michael Shiverdecker** explains what the copper shutdown really means, why waiting creates risk, and how RS&I Authorized Dealers can lead proactive, trust based migration conversations. ## What You’ll Learn in This Episode - **What the Copper Shutdown Actually Means** This is not just about phone lines going away. Copper networks support critical business systems that require reliability and compliance. This episode breaks down what is being retired and why replacement planning cannot be delayed.   - **Which Business Systems Are Most at Risk** Elevators, life safety systems, alarms, access controls, POS terminals, and analog fax lines are often overlooked until they fail. Michael explains why these systems are especially vulnerable and why downtime or noncompliance can be costly.   - **Why Waiting Increases Cost and Risk** Businesses that delay migration will not just face higher costs. They risk service interruptions, rushed installations, and regulatory exposure. Planning early gives businesses control over timelines, budgets, and outcomes.   - **How Authorized Dealers Can Lead the Conversation** This transition is not about fear based selling. It is about continuity and futureproofing. Dealers who educate first and plan alongside their customers build long term relationships, not one time transactions.   - **Why This Is a Once in a Generation Opportunity** The move away from copper opens the door to modern solutions like fiber, wireless redundancy, Internet Air, and digital voice. Dealers who act early can position themselves as trusted advisors during a major infrastructure shift.   Ready to see how RS&I can support your growth? 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