Replace the copper phone lines in your elevators, fire alarms and call boxes

What is changing with copper phone lines

AT&T has told about 90,000 customers in parts of 18 states that their copper line service can end on or after November 15, 2026. AT&T also says it is working to exit legacy copper operations across the large majority of its footprint by the end of 2029.

Other carriers are retiring copper on their own schedules. The FCC made the process faster in 2026. My guide to AT&T copper retirement explains the notices, the dates and what to do when one arrives.

Which lines in your building are at risk

Any analog line on copper can be affected. These are the ones that matter most, because a person’s safety or a code inspection depends on them:

• Elevator emergency phones in each cab
• Fire alarm panels that dial a monitoring company
• Burglar and security alarm panels
• Emergency call boxes, area of refuge stations and pool phones
• Gate and door entry systems
• Fax machines, ATMs and card terminals that use dial-up

Most buildings also have lines nobody can explain. Finding those is the first step, and often the first saving.

Three ways to replace a copper line

1. POTS in a box. A managed device with cellular service, analog ports and a battery serves several lines in one room. See how POTS in a box works.
2. Dedicated cellular communicators. Built for one system, such as a fire alarm panel or an elevator phone, and usually installed by that system’s contractor.
3. VoIP adapters. Cheapest, and fine for plain voice lines, but a poor match for alarm signals, fax and modems.

The complete POTS line replacement guide compares the three approaches line by line, with code notes and a provider table.

How I work

1. You tell me what you have. Send the line count, the buildings and the notice if you got one. A copy of the phone bill helps.
2. I map each line. I match each number to a device with you, and you decide what to replace, what to cancel and what to keep.
3. I compare at least two providers. You get a short written summary of monthly cost, one-time cost, battery, monitoring and contract terms, with my recommendation.
4. You decide, and I stay involved. If you go ahead, I handle the paperwork with the provider and stay your contact while the elevator and alarm contractors connect and test.

I’m paid by the providers, not by you. The full explanation is on How I get paid.

What to have ready

• The latest phone bill for each building, with every line number
• Any discontinuance or price-increase notice, with its date
• The names of your elevator maintenance company and your fire alarm company
• Where each line ends up: elevator machine room, fire panel, gate, front desk
• Any upcoming elevator inspection or fire alarm test date

Tools and guides

• Compare your current bill with a quote in the POTS replacement cost calculator.
• Read what the providers publish about Ooma AirDial and Granite EPIK.
• School and district teams can start with POTS replacement for schools, including Kari’s Law and E-Rate notes.
• Parking garages, campuses and pools: see emergency call boxes and areas of refuge.
• Not sure what DACT or AHJ means? The glossary has short definitions.