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AT&T's copper network retirement is underway. Texas leads the nation with 458 wire centers scheduled for shutdown. Assess your exposure →

The End of POTS in Texas

AT&T is actively retiring its legacy copper network across Texas. 458 wire centers are scheduled for shutdown — more than any other state. Fire alarms, elevator phones, security systems, and critical infrastructure may depend on copper lines you didn't know you had.

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458
Wire centers scheduled for shutdown
#1
Most impacted state in the US
2026
Large-scale decommissioning begins
2029
Target for copper retirement
The Situation

Texas Leads the Nation in Copper Retirement

Texas is expected to experience the greatest impact from AT&T's nationwide copper retirement initiative. With 458 wire centers scheduled for shutdown — more than double the next closest state — organizations throughout Texas face an accelerated transition away from legacy POTS infrastructure.

Combined with Texas' deregulated telecommunications environment and streamlined federal retirement rules, organizations have fewer regulatory protections and shorter timelines to prepare.

This is no longer a future event. Large-scale wire center decommissioning begins in 2026. Organizations that wait for a retirement notice may not have enough time to respond.

Who Is Impacted

Five Organization Types Facing Elevated Risk

Most organizations believe they have already modernized. Many migrated desk phones to VoIP while unknowingly leaving critical analog systems connected to aging copper infrastructure.

Universities
Emergency call stations, elevator phones, fire alarm systems, and campus security infrastructure across large multi-building environments.
Independent School Districts
Intercoms, emergency broadcasting, security gates, fire alarm communications, and campus safety technologies.
Municipalities & County Governments
Water and wastewater SCADA systems, traffic monitoring, courthouse fire alarms, and public safety infrastructure.
Banks & Credit Unions
ATM backup communications, vault alarms, panic buttons, branch security systems, and compliance-related fax communications.
Healthcare & Assisted Living
Fax systems, nurse-call stations, fire alarm panels, patient monitoring technologies, and life-safety infrastructure.
Beyond Phone Lines

It's Not About Phone Lines

Copper wire goes well beyond the telephone. Many organizations discover dozens of active analog lines they did not know existed — lines supporting critical safety, security, and operational systems.

Life Safety
Fire alarm panels and emergency communicators that must stay connected for code compliance and occupant safety.
Security & Access
Alarm systems, access control, panic buttons, and monitoring circuits that rely on analog connectivity.
SCADA & Telemetry
Water treatment systems, traffic monitoring, remote telemetry, and industrial control equipment.
Business Operations
Fax machines, ATM backup communications, elevator emergency phones, and blue-light call stations.
Warning Signs

Warning Signs You May Be Impacted

Many organizations discover hidden analog dependencies long after modernizing their phone systems. If any of these apply, your organization may be at risk:

POTS or Analog Line Charges
Your telecom bill contains POTS, analog line, or business access line charges.
Pre-2005 Buildings
Buildings were constructed before 2005 and may have original copper wiring in place.
Fire Alarm Phone Lines
Fire alarm systems dial out over traditional phone lines for central station monitoring.
Elevator Emergency Phones
Elevators contain emergency phones that may rely on copper connectivity.
Analog Security Circuits
Security systems connect through analog circuits rather than IP-based networks.
Telemetry or Fax
Remote facilities use telemetry/monitoring devices, or fax machines remain operational.
Assess Your Exposure
The Solution

POTS Impact Assessment

Gage Technologies helps organizations identify copper-connected assets, evaluate operational and compliance risk, and develop a practical migration strategy.

1Inventory
→
2Prioritize
→
3Replace or Retire
  • Infrastructure Discovery — comprehensive identification of copper-connected assets across all sites
  • POTS Line Inventory — mapping of all active analog lines from carrier invoices
  • Impacted Asset Identification — tracing each line to its supported system
  • Compliance Review — evaluation of life-safety and regulatory requirements
  • Risk Assessment — prioritization based on operational, safety, and compliance impact
  • Findings & Recommendations — practical remediation guidance
  • Migration Roadmap — a structured plan with timelines and priorities
Request a POTS Impact Assessment
Why Act Now

Planning Ahead Reduces Risk

Waiting until a retirement notice arrives may leave little time to evaluate alternatives and implement compliant replacements. Organizations that act early gain time to:

Identify Hidden Dependencies
Discover copper-connected systems before service interruptions occur.
Maintain Compliance
Ensure life-safety systems remain code-compliant throughout the transition.
Reduce Costs
Avoid emergency remediation costs and rising analog line charges.
Avoid Disruption
Build a structured migration plan that prevents operational downtime.

Get a POTS
Impact Assessment

Not sure if your organization is impacted? Connect with Gage Technologies for a free consultation. We'll help you understand your exposure and build a practical migration strategy.

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