DataRemote Partner AT&T Launches New Landline Phone Service
Originally published in KTLA 5
Direct Answer
AT&T has launched AT&T Phone – Advanced (AP-A), a modern replacement for traditional copper landlines, powered by DataRemote’s VAB-1 POTS IN A BOX® device. Instead of copper wiring, service runs through a compact on-site gateway that delivers dial tone over cellular and/or broadband — with 24-hour battery backup, E-911 support, and compatibility for existing phones, fax machines, and certain alarm systems.
KTLA 5 / March 13, 2025
AT&T has launched a new service called AT&T Phone – Advanced, a modern take on the traditional phone line. The device behind it, manufactured by DataRemote, uses a cellular or broadband connection to let customers connect a standard phone, fax machine, or alarm system — no copper required.
Key takeaways
- AT&T Phone – Advanced is powered by DataRemote’s VAB-1 POTS IN A BOX® device.
- Service runs over wireless and/or broadband instead of copper, with automatic LTE failover depending on deployment.
- A 24-hour backup battery helps maintain service during power outages.
- The service starts around $45/month, with equipment offered at a promotional $1, positioning it against competitors like Ooma, magicJack, and Vonage.
- AT&T has publicly stated plans to exit most legacy copper network operations by the end of 2029.
AT&T copper landlines are being phased out
AT&T has publicly communicated plans to exit most legacy copper network operations by the end of 2029. For customers, that typically means one of two outcomes: migration to fiber where available, or a transition to newer “landline-like” services that run over wireless and/or broadband instead of copper.
If your “phone line” is actually powering a life-safety or business-critical endpoint — like an elevator emergency phone, a fire or burglar alarm panel reporting line, or a medical alert device — planning early reduces risk, avoids downtime, and prevents a last-minute scramble.
Related reading: AT&T Copper Retirement: What It Means for You
What is AT&T Phone – Advanced?
AT&T Phone – Advanced (AP-A) is AT&T’s modern replacement for traditional copper landlines. Instead of old copper wiring, service is delivered through a small on-site gateway that provides dial tone and supports legacy analog endpoints.
The AP-A service is powered by DataRemote’s VAB-1 POTS IN A BOX® device. It’s designed to keep familiar devices working — a home phone, fax machine, or certain alarm/monitoring systems — while AT&T transitions away from copper infrastructure. For a broader look at how this same technology applies to businesses and larger sites, see POTS line replacement solutions.
How it works
- Device: A compact gateway installed on-site, similar in size and setup to a Wi-Fi router — functioning like a router and analog telephone adapter combined.
- Connection: Existing phones, fax machines, alarms, or other analog devices plug into the unit’s FXS ports.
- Network: Service is delivered over wireless and/or broadband-backed networks rather than legacy copper, with automatic LTE failover depending on deployment.
- Power backup: Includes a 24-hour backup battery to help maintain service during outages.
Who needs this?
- Rural or underserved locations where fiber isn’t available, or isn’t planned soon.
- Users of medical alert systems, alarm systems, or fax machines that require an analog dial tone.
- Homes and small businesses that want to keep a traditional number and familiar phone setup.
Key features
- Keep your existing phone number and use existing phones.
- E-911 support with enhanced location capabilities.
- Spam/scam call protection features.
- Compatibility with common analog endpoints, including fax, alarms, and medical monitoring.
For AT&T’s consumer setup options, see the AT&T Phone – Advanced Installation & User Guide (PDF).
Need help planning your copper retirement?
If you manage critical analog lines across one site or thousands, DataRemote can help you replace copper with a resilient, monitored solution — without ripping and replacing legacy equipment. Get started with POTS IN A BOX® or contact our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
AT&T Phone – Advanced (AP-A) is AT&T's modern replacement for traditional copper landlines. Instead of copper wiring, service is delivered through a small on-site gateway — powered by DataRemote's VAB-1 POTS IN A BOX® device — that provides dial tone and supports legacy analog endpoints.
As reported, AT&T Phone – Advanced starts around $45 a month, with the equipment offered at a promotional price of $1.
Standard phones, fax machines, and certain alarm or medical-monitoring systems that need an analog dial tone connect via the unit's FXS ports, the same way they connected to a copper line.
Yes. The service includes a 24-hour backup battery to help maintain service during power outages.
Those services typically require existing broadband internet. AT&T Phone – Advanced, powered by the VAB-1, can operate over wireless/LTE in addition to broadband, making it viable in locations without a fiber or cable connection.
Planning ahead for your AT&T copper retirement notice?
DataRemote can help you map every analog line to a compliant replacement before your shutdown date.
