By Carol Stiffler
Telephone giant AT&T announced plans this week to entirely discontinue landline service in almost all states, including Michigan.
Calling landlines “antiquated,” AT&T advised their copper lines are aging and becoming less reliable. The valuable copper is also targeted by thieves.
Only 6.7% of Michigan resident claims to still use a landline, according to a survey from the National Center for Health Statistics. Of those, 2.5% rely solely on landlines, and 5% use landlines most of the time.
By announcing the plan now, AT&T hopes remaining landline customers will have time to make alternative arrangements for phone service. The Federal Communications Commission requires mobile carriers to ask and receive permission to discontinue landline service to customers whether new or existing.
The change is alarming for some rural residents, who feel a landline is necessary in areas like the Upper Peninsula, with limited or unreliable cell service.
What do you think? Send comments or letters to the editor to nbynews@mynewberrynews.com.
