AT&T can't hang up on landline phone customers, California agency rules

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has rejected AT&T's request to end its landline phone obligations, including the Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) obligation. The CPUC emphasized the importance of protecting customer access to basic telephone service and urged AT&T to upgrade its copper facilities to fiber instead of shutting down parts of its network. AT&T's application was dismissed with prejudice as it did not meet the requirements for COLR withdrawal, failing to demonstrate the availability of replacement providers. AT&T is now focusing on lobbying for changes to state law to address these obligations. The CPUC is considering potential changes to the COLR rules, seeking public input on relaxing requirements and designating VoIP and wireless providers as carriers of last resort. The Marin County Board of Supervisors has opposed AT&T's proposed legislation, expressing concerns about the potential negative impact on customers relying on Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) under AT&T's COLR obligations.