Regulators Deny AT&T's Bid to Drop Landline Phone Service

Since our last issue went to press, California Public Utilities Commission voted to allow residents to keep their landline phones, a critical communications tool in emergencies.

Telecommunications giant AT&T had requested that the CPUC relieve AT&T of what is called its “Carrier of Last Resort” (COLR) obligations in certain areas of California, including the South Valley.

The CPUC vote denies AT&T’s bid to drop landline service that includes free access to 9-1-1 and telephone relay service (for people with speech or hearing issues), among other features.

"The CPUC made the right decision to hold AT&T to its promise and obligation to provide phone service to our constituents in areas with unreliable cell service," said Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, who represents the San Mateo area, also impacted by the decision.

“If the only option to provide this COLR service is through copper landlines, then AT&T must provide and maintain those," she added. "These lines of communication are lifelines to residents in rural areas especially during public emergencies like fires, earthquakes, floods and landslides. Cost saving must never trump public safety.”

The commission’s unanimous vote does not end the threat to landline service, however. AB 2797, a bill now in the State Assembly would allow AT&T and any other service provider operating as a COLR in California to end their obligations as a COLR without the express consent of the CPUC, in various circumstances.

AB 2797 has been referred to the Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications and has yet to be scheduled for a hearing.