AT&T plans to eliminate traditional landline service across the U.S. over the next five years. Here's how it affects Ohio.

AT&T will eliminate its landline phone service in almost every state in its service area, including Oklahoma, the company announced this week. Since early this year, AT&T has said its copper wire phone lines are "antiquated" and require costly service that is not as effective as wireless broadband networks.

Telecom providers must get permission from the FCC to cut off landline service for new or existing customers. That's why AT&T has revealed its 2029 landline retirement plans so far in advance: To alert the FCC and to give customers and states enough time to transition to alternatives.

Telecommunications company AT&T plans to eliminate traditional landline phone service to nearly all of the U.S. in its service area over the next five years.

While the company has said its landlines are "antiquated," critics say the service is crucial for people living in rural areas and older people.