AT&T will be authorized to begin discontinuing traditional copper-based landline telephone service in designated Louisiana communities starting Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026, as part of a broader transition away from older telephone networks. The change follows a federal regulatory process involving the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which reviewed AT&T’s applications to discontinue certain residential and business telephone services across portions of 18 states.
The authorization does not mean every AT&T landline in Louisiana will be disconnected on Nov. 15. Instead, the date marks the earliest point at which the company may begin discontinuing the affected services in approved areas.
AT&T is retiring portions of its traditional copper telephone network, which has provided residential and business landline service for decades. The affected services include AT&T Residential Local Service and AT&T Business Local Exchange Access Line Service, commonly associated with traditional telephone lines, also known as Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS).
In December 2025, the FCC issued a public notice concerning AT&T’s applications to discontinue these services in specified geographic areas. The applications were subsequently authorized through the FCC’s streamlined review process, allowing discontinuation on or after Nov. 15, 2026. The changes are part of AT&T’s transition toward newer communications technologies, including fiber-optic and wireless services.
Federal telecommunications records identify numerous Louisiana telephone exchanges included in the discontinuation process.
Among the communities identified for potential service discontinuation beginning Nov. 15 are:
- Natchitoches Parish: Natchitoches and Robeline
- Sabine Parish: Zwolle, Florien and Converse
- Rapides Parish: Deville and Lecompte
- Red River Parish: Coushatta
- Bossier Parish: Koran
- Caldwell Parish: Columbia
- Richland Parish: Delhi
- Lincoln Parish: Grambling and Dubach
Other Louisiana communities are also included in the federal filings.
The affected areas are identified by telephone wire centers, which serve specific geographic areas. Inclusion of a community or wire center does not necessarily mean every telephone customer within that community will lose service. Some locations may have access to alternative telephone services or telecommunications infrastructure that is not included in the discontinuation.
Residents and businesses still using traditional AT&T copper-based telephone service may need to transition to another telephone service if their existing connection is scheduled for discontinuation. Potential alternatives include fiber-based telephone service and wireless home phone services, depending on availability at a particular address.
AT&T has promoted its AT&T Phone – Advanced service as one replacement option for customers transitioning away from copper lines. The company has stated that modernizing its network will allow it to provide communications services through newer technologies rather than continuing to maintain aging copper infrastructure.
For customers, however, the availability of replacement service may depend on their location and the communications infrastructure serving their property. Traditional landlines have remained an important communications option in rural communities, particularly in areas where cellular reception or high-speed internet availability may be limited. The transition could affect residents who have relied on copper telephone lines for many years, including older customers and households that primarily use landline service.
Businesses using traditional telephone connections may also need to review their existing services and determine whether changes are necessary. Emergency communications are another consideration for customers transitioning away from traditional telephone lines.
Customers should confirm that any replacement service supports 911 calling and understand whether it requires electrical power, backup batteries or cellular coverage to operate during an outage.
Customers who currently receive traditional landline service through AT&T should review any notices they have received from the company concerning service changes. Because the discontinuation applies to specific service areas and technologies, customers should contact AT&T directly to determine whether their telephone line is affected.
Those receiving a discontinuation notice should also confirm what replacement services are available at their address and when any changes must be completed. The Nov. 15 authorization date does not establish a single statewide disconnection date for all landline customers.
The FCC identified the affected services and authorized discontinuation date in Public Notice DA 25-1043, released Dec. 12, 2025. The notice identifies AT&T’s application under WC Docket No. 25-335, covering traditional residential and business telephone services in designated areas of Louisiana and 17 other states. Additional information is available through the Federal Communications Commission and AT&T’s published network modernization information.