AT&T copper retirement

Your traditional copper wire-based service is being replaced with fiber optic technology.

INSTRUCTIONS & INFO

FAQ

Why did I get a letter?
You received a letter from AT&T to let you know about the upcoming changes to our network, how it will affect you, and what to expect. We'll be contacting you to make all the necessary arrangements. You may also call us at 800.288.2020 to be connected to a dedicated service representative on our transition team.
Why is AT&T doing this?
Currently, your AT&T phone and/or internet service is provided to your business over our traditional network that uses copper wire technology. We are upgrading our network and will retire the copper wire and replace it with new fiber optic technology to offer improved performance.
What is fiber optic technology and how is it better?
Fiber optic technology functions using cables made of glass or plastic strands that transmit light. This allows data and voice signals to travel over the cables as optical beams (rather than electrical signals) which is faster, more efficient and secure when compared to copper. It can transmit far more information, with a greater degree of fidelity, over greater distances. They are also immune to electrical interference, making them more reliable and secure.
How does this affect me?
We’ll need to install fiber optic equipment at your business and transfer your service to our fiber optic network. We will contact you to make arrangements for an AT&T technician to visit your business or you may call us at 800.288.2020 to set up an appointment. But you’ll want to make sure you have these arrangements made no later than the date specified in the notification letter so that your existing service isn’t disconnected.
Why do I need an AT&T Technician to visit?
An AT&T Technician will need access to your business to install the new fiber optic equipment and transfer service to our fiber optic network so you don’t lose service.
Will I need to be at my business for the AT&T Technician visit and how long will it take?
Yes, you will need to be present and available during the installation which should take approximately 2 to 4 hours. Your input will be valuable in helping the technician choose appropriate installation options.
Can I keep my existing AT&T telephone service and is it going to change?
Your phone service will have the same basic functions and features, and you can still use your existing phones just as you do now. Your rate plan will also remain the same. However, unlike copper wire technology, fiber optic cables do not carry electrical current and the new fiber optic equipment located at your business will require the use of your electrical power in order to operate and battery backup so it continues to work in the event of a power outage. For your phone service to continue working during a power outage, you will need to purchase a battery backup.
Can I keep my existing AT&T Internet service and is it going to change?
Your internet service will have the same basic functions and features, but your current service plan will not be available after the move to fiber optic technology. With fiber optic technology, other internet service plans are available and rates vary by speed. A higher speed plan may be available at the same or lower rate than your current rate plan.
Why do I need a backup battery for my service to work?
Since the new fiber optic equipment requires electrical power to work, the backup battery will provide power to keep the new equipment working in the event of a power outage. It’s important to note that if you elect to purchase a backup battery and it becomes depleted, your service will not work during a power outage.
Is the new fiber optic connection capable of providing other services?
Yes, other services such as digital voice, high-speed Internet, and video entertainment services are available using the fiber optic connection to your business. If you are interested in any of these services, please go to att.com/uverse or call us at 800.288.2020.
Will devices that rely on my telephone service, such as fax machines, security alarms and medical monitors be impacted by the change to fiber optic technology?
Any devices that rely on your telephone service, such as fax machines, security alarms and medical monitors will continue to operate in the same way as they do now after your phone service is transferred to our fiber optic network. However, these devices may require their own backup power source to continue working during a power outage. Even if these devices have their own backup power source, they will not operate if your telephone service stops working during a power outage.

Last updated: September 7, 2018

AT&T copper retirement

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