Cities to test IP-only telephony

AT&T is beginning a plan to shut down old copper phone networks and replace them with new Internet-Protocol based telephony systems, such as fiber-based broadband and high-speed wireless.

The company is proposing to begin its “national technology trial” in two locations: Carbon Hill (AL) and West Delray Beach (FL).

But while the plan is supported by federal regulators, it has drawn fire from those who worry it leaves high and dry individual end users who rely on legacy copper networks, especially in rural areas, for both plain telephone service and copper-based Internet access services. Copper-based lines are also used for burglar alarms, emergencies and fire alarm systems.

The carrier has invested more than $2.75 billion in wireless and has been wiring networks in Florida since 2012, including upgrades to cell sites, LTE mobile broadband expansion to 20 communities and wired IP broadband to 25,000 locations in Florida. The Florida trial will “ensure that Florida customers, and ultimately consumers and businesses across the country, can benefit from the latest communications technologies,” AT&T said.