The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has firmly dismissed AT&T’s request to terminate its landline phone service obligations. Instead, the state agency is urging AT&T to upgrade its copper network to fiber, as detailed in the official ruling on Thursday.
AT&T sought relief from its Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) obligation, which mandates the company to provide landline telephone services across its service areas. The CPUC’s administrative law judge had already recommended a rejection of the application last month. Commissioner John Reynolds emphasized that the decision aims to ensure customer access to essential telephone services despite AT&T’s claims otherwise.
AT&T had argued that modern services such as VoIP and mobile technology could replace traditional landlines. However, testimony from residents highlighted the unreliability of these alternatives, especially in the context of emergency services. Consequently, the CPUC found AT&T did not satisfy the requirements to withdraw from its COLR duties, and emphasized that upgrading to fiber technology is an acceptable route to modernize services.
In the wake of the ruling, AT&T has shifted focus to lobbying for legislative changes. Marc Blakeman, President of AT&T California, stated that the company is committed to ensuring no customer is left without essential voice services while working with state leaders to facilitate a transition to modern communications.
AT&T’s proposed legislation aims to maintain COLR obligations in rural regions while seeking relief elsewhere, impacting approximately 100,000 rural customers. Yet, opposition remains strong, with the Marin County Board of Supervisors voicing concerns that the legislation could have negative implications for over 580,000 Californian customers dependent on traditional landline services.
The CPUC is also embarking on a new rulemaking process to explore potential updates to COLR rules, inviting public input on whether regions with sufficient VoIP and mobile services could phase out the need for a carrier of last resort. More details on this process can be found in the rulemaking document.