AT&T is Ending Landline Service: How Humboldt County Residents Can Modernize Their Connectivity
Introduction
By 2029, AT&T will retire its legacy copper-based landline network across the United States. For many residents in rural Humboldt, traditional landlines have provided dependable voice service—especially during power outages. Although this shift may appear disruptive, newer technologies such as satellite internet and VoIP telephone services offer faster, more versatile, and often more affordable alternatives. This post delves into the reasons behind AT&T’s decision and offers a detailed, step-by-step plan to upgrade your home’s connectivity with confidence and minimal downtime.
Why Landlines Are Being Phased Out
Aging infrastructure: Copper wires laid decades ago face corrosion and signal degradation, resulting in frequent faults and costly repairs.
High maintenance costs: Rural cable spans thousands of miles, and repairing small line breaks can require sending technicians hundreds of miles for a single splice.
Declining subscriber base: Over 80% of AT&T customers now use wireless or broadband-based phone services, making copper landlines a shrinking revenue stream.
Regulatory environment: The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) permits carriers to retire copper facilities if they maintain equivalent support for emergency calls (911) and reasonable reliability, provided customers are notified in advance.
Market evolution: Innovations in broadband and mobile networks mean digital voice and internet services deliver richer features (voicemail-to-email, virtual numbers, video calling) that copper lines simply cannot support.
No Need to Worry!
California’s Public Utilities Commission has reaffirmed AT&T’s role as the Carrier of Last Resort, so in rural areas you’re guaranteed basic copper-line service and free 911 access—even beyond 2029.
However, as that aging network continues to degrade, you’ll face longer repair times and diminishing call quality.
Rather than wait, now’s the perfect moment to embrace modern alternatives: Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet, VoIP phones and a UPS to keep everything powered through outages. Upgrade sooner than later, and rest easy knowing you’ll enjoy clearer calls, faster speeds, and truly resilient connectivity.
Modern Connectivity Solutions
Below is a three-step roadmap to replace your landline with robust internet and modern phone service—plus tips to enhance reliability and user experience.
Step 1: Starlink Satellite Internet
Why choose Starlink? Its constellation of low-Earth-orbit satellites provides broadband speeds of 100–200 Mbps with latency as low as 25 ms—ideal for streaming, video calls, and online work. Crucially, Starlink is available in all parts of Humboldt County without data caps.
How to order and install your kit:
Check availability: Visit Starlink.com and enter your exact service address to confirm eligibility.
Select your hardware: Starlink offers two mounting kits—roof mount (permanent) or pole mount (portable). We recommend the pole mount for easier orientation and mounting.
Complete your order: Service is $120/month; equipment currently ships at $0 with a 12‑month commitment (prices and promotions are subject to change).
Mount the dish: Choose a location with a clear 100° view of the sky. Use the included pole mount hardware and ensure fasteners are weather‑rated.
Connect the cable: Run the outdoor-rated cable from the dish into your home, plugging into the Starlink router’s WAN port.
Power on: Plug the router into any standard outlet. Initial calibration can take up to 15 minutes—an LED ring on the dish will turn solid green when ready.
Optimize placement: If speeds fall below 100 Mbps, slightly adjust the dish angle or clear nearby foliage or obstructions.
Test performance: Use websites like speedtest.net to verify download/upload rates and latency. If you encounter issues, Starlink’s online support can assist remotely.
Step 2: Switching to VoIP Phone Service (1‑VoIP)
Understanding VoIP: Voice over Internet Protocol turns your voice into data packets that travel over the internet. Benefits include lower monthly fees, advanced call features, and easy portability.
1‑VoIP plans at a glance: - We are not affiliated with 1-VoIP, these numbers are from their site: 1-VoIP Residential Pricing Page
| Plan Name | Minutes / Countries Covered | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Value Plan | 500 min to U.S. & Canada | $8.97 |
| U.S. & Canada Unlimited | Unlimited U.S. & Canada calls | $17.97 |
| World Unlimited | Unlimited to 30+ countries | $23.97 |
Detailed setup & porting process:
Sign up: Visit 1‑VoIP.com and choose your preferred plan. Enter your contact information and payment details.
Gather AT&T account info: You’ll need your AT&T account number (on your bill) and your PIN/password to authorize the port.
Submit port request: In 1‑VoIP’s dashboard or via support chat, provide your AT&T credentials and the phone number you wish to keep. Confirm that call forwarding is turned off on your existing phone.
Monitor progress: Porting usually takes 7–12 business days. 1‑VoIP will send email updates; keep your AT&T service active until you receive final confirmation.
Receive and connect adapter: 1‑VoIP mails a small voip terminal. Plug the phone line into your landline phone and the Ethernet(thicker one) into a spare LAN port on your router.
Configure lights: The adapter has LEDs indicating power, internet link, and phone line status. A solid green light on the phone icon means readiness.
Test calls: Make an outbound call and have a friend ring you back. Confirm voicemail setup and caller ID presentation.
Cancel AT&T landline: Once porting is complete and confirmed, call AT&T customer service to terminate your landline and avoid double billing.
Step 3: Enhancing Cellphone Connectivity
Wi‑Fi calling bridges the calling gap:
iPhone: Go to Settings > Phone > Wi‑Fi Calling, then toggle on “Wi‑Fi Calling on This iPhone.” Your carrier may require you to confirm or update your emergency address.
Android (varies by manufacturer): Navigate to Settings > Network & Internet > SIM & Network > Wi‑Fi Calling and enable it. You might find it under More Connection Settings on some models.
After activation:
Check status: You’ll see “Wi‑Fi” next to your carrier name in the status bar.
Test indoors: Place a call from your living room and verify clear audio.
Fallback: If Wi‑Fi drops, your phone seamlessly switches back to cellular (if available), ensuring uninterrupted conversations.
Ensuring Connectivity During Power Outages
Unlike copper landlines, both Starlink and VoIP rely on your home’s electrical supply. A reliable backup keeps you connected through storms.
Select the right UPS: A 1,500 VA (volt-ampere) Pure Sine Wave UPS supports both router and VoIP adapter keeping you online.
Brand recommendations: Eaton and Tripp Lite units are proven performers with built-in surge protection and battery health monitoring.
UPS placement: Position the UPS near your networking equipment. Avoid cramped or unventilated spaces to prolong battery life.
Connecting devices: Plug Starlink’s power supply and the 1‑VoIP adapter into the UPS’s battery-backed outlets. Leave non‑critical devices (e.g., printers) on surge-only outlets.
Generator integration: If you have a standby generator, wire it through your home’s transfer switch. The UPS provides enough time to engage the generator after a power loss.
Maintenance: Test your UPS monthly by simulating a power cut. Replace batteries every 3–5 years, or following manufacturer guidelines.
| Model | VA / W | Ext. Battery | Est. Runtime |
|---|
Cost Savings and Enhanced Entertainment
Modern connectivity isn’t just about calls and internet—it transforms how you access news, entertainment, and community services.
Ditch satellite TV: Traditional packages from DirecTV or DISH can exceed $80/month once taxes and fees roll in.
Streaming alternatives:
Netflix Basic: $6.99/month for a single SD stream.
Hulu (ad-supported): $7.99/month for thousands of on‑demand titles.
Amazon Prime Video: $8.99/month standalone (Prime membership includes free shipping and more).
Live TV options: Sling TV ($35/month with Local Extras), YouTube TV ($65/month), or Hulu + Live TV ($70/month).
No hard data caps: Starlink imposes no hard data limits, freeing you to stream HD content, video conference, or back up data without overage fees.
Bundle and save: Many services offer annual prepay discounts and service bundles.
Cost Savings Estimator
Quick Checklist
❑ Verify Starlink availability and place your equipment order.
❑ Install and orient the Starlink dish; confirm connection.
❑ Sign up and initiate porting with 1‑VoIP; monitor status.
❑ Connect the VoIP adapter; test outgoing and incoming calls.
❑ Enable Wi‑Fi Calling on all smartphones and test indoors.
❑ Plug router and adapter into a 1,500 VA UPS; test battery mode.
❑ Cancel AT&T landline after port completes.
❑ Review and select streaming services; cancel obsolete TV subscriptions.
Professional Support
Transitioning your home’s connectivity can feel complex—but you don’t have to do it alone. Honest Tech Services offers professional, on‑site consultations and installations for rural Humboldt County residents:
Honest Tech Services, LLC
350 E Street Ste 403, Eureka, CA 95501
Phone: (707) 440‑3438
Email: support@mc.honesttechservices.com
We handle everything from terminal installation and network optimization to UPS configuration and ongoing support—ensuring you stay connected, no matter the weather.
Links
Starlink $0 Kit Referral Promo (Standard Residential Kit Only)
Starlink Satellite Internet Home Page
California Public Utilities Commission: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/carrier-of-last-resort-rulemaking
