California Challenges AT&T Plan To Phase Out Traditional Copper Phone Service
A California regulatory agency has urged a U.S. court and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reject AT&T’s request to stop offering traditional copper-wire telephone service to new customers. The move marks the latest dispute over the future of legacy telecommunications infrastructure as providers seek to transition towards newer technologies.
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) argued that AT&T is attempting to avoid its responsibilities as a carrier of last resort, a designation that requires telecommunications providers to ensure access to essential phone services for residents.
According to the regulator, maintaining access to basic communications services remains a critical obligation, particularly for vulnerable communities that continue to rely on traditional landline networks.
California Defends Technology-Neutral Service Rules
In a court filing, the CPUC stressed that California’s regulations do not favour any specific technology. The agency said providers are free to use copper lines, wireless networks, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services or other technologies, provided they continue to meet the state’s standards for basic telecommunications service.
The regulator argued that the focus should remain on service availability and reliability rather than the technology used to deliver it.
California officials also maintained that AT&T had not sufficiently demonstrated that every customer affected by the proposed changes would have access to an adequate replacement service.
AT&T Seeks To Retire Ageing Network
AT&T has argued that maintaining its century-old copper telephone network has become increasingly difficult and expensive. The company estimates that it spends approximately $1 billion annually to maintain the infrastructure in California despite serving only around 3% of households within its service territory.
The telecommunications company has asked the FCC for permission to discontinue traditional telephone service in areas where faster and more reliable alternatives are already available.
In addition, AT&T has filed a petition seeking a declaration that federal telecommunications standards take precedence over California regulations that require the company to continue operating, repairing and offering copper-based phone services even after federal approval for their retirement.
Thousands Of Customers Could Be Affected
According to California regulators, AT&T plans to discontinue residential and business telephone services delivered through legacy copper landlines across portions of 360 wire centres throughout the state beginning in June 2027.
The proposal would affect approximately 184,000 residential customers and around 15,000 business customers.
State officials contend that the transition could leave some users without reliable alternatives if adequate safeguards are not put in place before the network is phased out.
Focus On Protecting Vulnerable Communities
While California is reviewing potential updates to its Carrier of Last Resort framework, regulators said modernisation efforts must be balanced against the need to protect consumers who continue to depend on traditional telephone services.
The CPUC noted that many vulnerable residents still rely on the functionality and reliability of wireline networks. As a result, the agency argued that the drive towards newer communications technologies should not override obligations to maintain essential access for those customers.
AT&T declined to comment on the filings submitted by the CPUC.
With inputs from Reuters
