Copper landline retirement
Your phone company is retiring copper lines. Will your alarm still call for help?
Fire alarms, burglar alarms and elevator phones that dial out over a copper landline can stop reporting without any warning. We'll check your system for free and tell you exactly what needs to change.
Why this matters now
For decades alarm panels called the monitoring center over a copper phone line. Phone companies are now retiring that copper. When your line is moved to fiber or internet phone service — or simply shut off — an alarm panel can lose its connection to the central station without anyone noticing.
Signs your system is at risk
- Your phone company sent a letter about "network upgrades", "copper retirement" or "service changes"
- A trouble light or beep on the alarm keypad that keeps coming back
- Your phone bill keeps going up for lines that only the alarm uses
- Your phone service was recently switched to fiber or internet phone
- Your elevator phone has not been tested in a while
How the free check works
- Tell us what's on your linesOne-minute form, or call 877-772-0061.
- We check the panelOn site or by phone with your monitoring company — free.
- Fixed price to switchUL-listed cellular communicator, no surprises.
- Tested and doneEvery signal tested with the central station before we leave.
What we replace copper with
A UL-listed cellular (LTE) communicator, often with internet as a second path. It connects to your existing fire or burglar panel — in most cases you keep your panel. We work with Silent Knight, Mircom, Napco, DMP and most other brands, and take over systems installed by other companies.
More about phone line alternatives · Elevator phone lines · Read the guide
Frequently asked questions
What is the copper landline shutdown?
Phone companies have federal approval to retire their old copper networks and stop selling traditional landline (POTS) service in many areas. Lines are being moved to fiber or internet phone service, or simply discontinued. Many alarm panels were built to dial out over copper and do not work reliably on those replacements.
Will my fire alarm stop working?
The panel will still sound in the building, but it may no longer be able to send the alarm to the central station — which means nobody calls the fire department when the building is empty. Often the only sign is a trouble light that nobody notices.
Is a cellular communicator allowed for a fire alarm?
Yes. Current editions of NFPA 72 recognize listed cellular and IP communicators as the path to the central station. We install UL-listed equipment, program it, test every signal with the central station, and handle any paperwork your fire official needs.
What does it cost to switch?
Usually a one-time installation plus monitoring — and many buildings save money, because they can cancel one or two business phone lines that cost more every year. The free check ends with a fixed price, so there are no surprises.
Are elevator phones affected too?
Yes. Elevator emergency phones are required to work, and most are on a copper line. We replace them with a cellular elevator line so the car can still reach help.
How long does the switch take?
Most panels are done in a few hours, with no downtime on your fire protection. We test every signal with the central station before we leave.
Questions about your phone lines?
Call us — we'll tell you in a few minutes whether your alarm is at risk.