The present invention relates to a system and method for providing a “lifeline” service to a VoDSL customer despite an electrical power outage or integrated access device failure at the customer premise. A bypass function is implemented in an integrated access device at the customer premise to provide the lifeline service. The bypass function is preferably a relay, which can be automatically activated to provide the lifeline service under various conditions. The bypass relay, working in conjunction with systems in the central office and the regional switching center allows the customer to obtain an active telephone line during power outages or integrated access device failures. Electrical power is also supplied to the customer's premise from the central office, thereby allowing the customer to use a telephone line in the traditional manner. The present invention can further be implemented for any number of customers and telephone lines.