KTLA 5 | DataRemote Partner – AT&T Launches New Landline Phone Service

KTLA 5 / MARCH 13, 2025 

AT&T launches a new service called AT&T Phone Advanced, a modern take on the traditional phone line. The new AT&T POTS replacement device, manufactured by DataRemote, uses cellular or broadband connection allowing you to connect a standard phone, fax machine, or alarm system.

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, fire/burglar panel reporting line, or a medical alert device—planning early reduces risk, avoids downtime, and prevents last-minute scramble.

Related reading: AT&T Copper Retirement: What It Means for You

AT&T Phone – Advanced (AP-A) is AT&T’s modern replacement for traditional copper landlines. Instead of using old copper wiring, service is delivered through a small on-site gateway that provides dial tone and supports many legacy analog endpoints.

The APA service is powered by DataRemote’s VAB-1 POTS IN A BOX® device. It’s designed to keep familiar devices working—like a home phone, fax machine, or certain alarm/monitoring systems— while AT&T transitions away from copper infrastructure.

• Device: A compact gateway installed on-site, similar in size and setup to a Wi-Fi router. It functions like a router + analog telephone adaptor combined.
• Connection: Your regular phone, fax, alarm, or 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.

• Rural or underserved locations where fiber isn’t available (or not planned soon)
• Users of medical alert systems, alarm systems, or fax machines that require an analog dial tone.
• Homes that want to keep a traditional number and familiar phone setup.

• Keep your home phone number and use existing phones
• E911 support with enhanced location capabilities
• Spam/scam call protection features (e.g., call protect tools)
• Compatibility for certain analog endpoints (fax, alarms, medical monitoring, etc.)

AT&T Phone – Advanced is often positioned for customers who still want “landline-style” service but can’t (or don’t want to) stay on copper:

• Rural or underserved locations where fiber isn’t available (or not planned soon)
• Users of medical alert systems, alarm systems, or fax machines that require an analog dial tone.
• Homes that want to keep a traditional number and familiar phone setup.

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.