AT&T‘s Push to End Phone Service Obligations Debated at Hearing

SACRAMENTO — On Thursday, April 17, 2025, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) held a remote public hearing to receive comments on a request by AT&T to be freed from its obligation to serve as a Carrier of Last Resort (COLR). The COLR designation mandates the company to maintain essential communication services in rural areas, including much of Sierra and surrounding counties where AT&T remains the sole provider of wired phone service.

AT&T has pursued multiple efforts to persuade the CPUC to lift its COLR obligations. In June 2024, the CPUC denied a request from AT&T to waive its COLR status across its service area. Now, AT&T seeks amendments to CPUC rules, enabling the company to end those obligations independently. Alongside these efforts, AT&T supports Assembly Bill 470, introduced by Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood), which would reduce the CPUC’s authority to prevent communications companies from relinquishing COLR status.

In response to these developments, the CPUC organized the public hearing last Thursday as part of a series of eight sessions involving the public, customers, and other stakeholders. CPUC Commissioner John Reynolds opened the session by outlining the agency’s role and the rulemaking process. “In 1994, the legislature tasked the PUC with ensuring universal communication service, including essential telecommunication services, be provided at affordable prices to all Californians,” said Reynolds. He added, “Any changes to the carrier of last resort rules will not diminish the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that all Californians... have access to essential communications services.”

Reynolds recognized the evolving nature of communication services while emphasizing the enduring importance of the century-old legacy telephone network in delivering critical universal access. Together with Commissioner Darcie Houck, he clarified the purpose of the hearing series: not to debate specific rule changes but to assess whether updates to COLR rules are necessary.

During the Thursday meeting, sixty individuals shared their views, highlighting a range of concerns. Many focused on the need to preserve landlines for emergencies in rural areas. One caller noted that landlines are “known to be the most dependable means” of communication, pointing out how cell phone systems can become overwhelmed during crises. A senior from San Jose echoed the sentiment, stating her landline “is all I have for necessity and emergency calls and it is irreplaceable.”

Adding a local voice, Sierra County resident Donna Hayes offered insight into the issue’s impact. Hayes, an AT&T customer for 53 years since receiving her phone and number at age 19, explained, “We don’t have cell service here, and we do not have any other way to communicate except through the landline for emergencies and everything else.” She pays $110 monthly for the service and warned, “We don’t want to end up like Paradise,” referencing the Camp Fire, where burned cell towers hampered the wildfire alert system.

Support for changing COLR rules came primarily from organizations urging stronger modernization efforts. George Boutros from the Orange County Business Council believes copper systems are outdated and says, “It’s time to focus California’s investment towards expanding broadband access, lowering costs, and improving reliability.” Lauren Carter with Community Tech Network agreed, saying, “We need to modernize the state’s COLR policy so that every family can get the affordable, high-speed internet they deserve.”

Once public input concludes, the CPUC plans to draft a proposal on potential COLR rule changes. A subsequent comment period will precede a vote by commissioners to adopt or reject the proposal. The remaining public meetings in the series are scheduled as follows:

April 23, 2025, 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM, City of Roseville, City Council Chambers, 311 Vernon Street, Roseville, CA 95678

April 30, 2025, 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM, City of Santa Rosa, City Council Chambers, 100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

May 5, 2025, 6:00 PM, Remote, Website: www.adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc, Phone: 1-800-857-1917, Passcode: 6032788#

May 13, 2025, 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM, Remote, Website: www.adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc, Phone: 1-800-857-1917, Passcode: 6032788#