Save landlines! Calls for public support to defend California landlines from AT&T abandonment attempt

Save Landlines is an alliance of consumers, labor and public safety advocates who are working to defend our critical basic copper landline telephone services and to prevent AT&T and other companies abandoning critical infrastructure that would put public safety, health, and access at risk.

AT&T is seeking permission (again) from the Clifornia Public Utilities Commission to abandon their legal obligation (Carrier of Last Resort or COLR) to provide landline services to Californians. This will result in fewer telecommunications choices, lower quality, and reduced reliability, especially during a disaster when dependable communication is needed most.

Advocates are calling for a large turnout at the final CPUC hearings tomorrow, Wednesday, May 13 and for everyone to submit a quick and easy comment into the docket to demand long term protection of and investment in our landline telephone services.

Last chance to voice opposition to loss of landline service
Final opportunity to speak your thoughts: Remote Public Participation Hearing, 2 and/or 6 p.m. Wednesday May 13 at 2:00 p.m.

To comment publicly and/or listen: 1-800-857-1917 Passcode: 6032788# Press *1 to comment

If needed, further information and instructions can be found at attconnects.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ATT_CA-Public-Notice_PPH_mailed-03.14.25.pdf

Also, ubmit a comment to the proceedings docket. The Utility Reform Network claims that more than a million Californians rely on landlines. These customers depend on the reliability, safety and voice quality of landlines because cell service is inadequate in their area or they are unable to tolerate wireless emissions. To date, copper landline connectivity remains the superior technology in homes, businesses, schools, government, etc. You can see comments submitted by others before submitting your own  Click on Add Public Comment: apps.cpuc.ca.gov/p/R2406012.

Note
Industry is working to make an end-run around the CPUC proceedings. In February, Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor introduced AB 470, which would provide a legislative path forward for AT&T to get out of its COLR obligations with minimal oversight. The measure portends significant negative effects to customers in California that rely on Plain Old Telephone Services. AB 470 passed the Committee on Communications & Conveyance last week (8 ayes: Ahrens, Boerner, Bonta, Caloza, Castillo, Hoover, Lowenthal, Blanca Rubio; 1 No, Garcia, and 1 abstention). It is now referred to the Appropriations Committee, but not yet scheduled to be heard.