Your current landline plan (called Residential Local Service) will be discontinued.

Service ends on or after a date printed in your letter.

You are offered two replacements: AT&T Phone - Advanced, or an AT&T wireless (cell phone) plan.

In some states, the letter gives a deadline to ask your state utility commission to review the change.

Dates we know about

November 15, 2026: first shutoffs begin in parts of 18 states.

On or after March 15, 2027: Illinois customers who received letters.

California: AT&T has asked federal regulators for approval. Timing is not final.

The date in your own letter is the one that counts.

What is AT&T Phone - Advanced?

A replacement home phone that works over the cell network or the internet instead of the old landline wires. AT&T says it supports phone calls, fax machines, alarms, medical monitoring and 911. Consumer groups report it costs about $45 to $50 a month and includes a battery backup. Test every device after you switch.

1. Keep the letter and write down the date.

2. List everything plugged into your phone jacks: medical alert, alarm, fax, answering machine.

3. Call AT&T at the number on your bill and ask how each device will work.

4. Compare your options before you agree to anything.

5. After you switch, test every device the same day.

Is this letter a scam?

The letters are real, but scammers copy real news. Be careful with anyone who calls, texts or emails you about the shutoff and asks for payment, passwords or your Social Security number. Hang up and call AT&T yourself at the number printed on your bill.

This site is not affiliated with AT&T. Information comes from AT&T customer letters, consumer groups and news reports. If anything differs, the details in your own letter take priority.