The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold in-person as well as virtual public forums to receive customer input regarding AT&T’s pending Application to discontinue copper landline phone service.
AT&T is a “Carrier of Last Resort” (COLR) and, thereby, required to provide “Plain Old Telephone Service,” also known as POTS or landline phone service, upon request to all residential and business customers. POTS has a uniform set of minimum service standards and regulations that does not extend to new technologies that provide similar service, such as wireline Voice Over IP (VoIP). While it is not unusual for one company to replace another as a COLR, AT&T is requesting permission to abandon its COLR obligation without finding a replacement.
If approved by the CPUC, over 580,000 affected AT&T customers would be left with fewer options in terms of choice, quality, and affordability. Alternative services, such as VoIP and wireless, have no obligation to serve a customer or to provide equivalent services to AT&T landline customers, including no obligation to provide reliable access to 9-1-1 or LifeLine program discounts.
Public comments may also be submitted here.
RCRC opposes AT&T’s Application and is a formal party to this proceeding. For more information, see the CPUC website here, or contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate Tracy Rhine or RCRC Policy Advocate Leigh Kammerich.
Public Hearing Schedule
|
WHEN |
FORMAT |
LOCATION |
|
February 6, 2024 |
In-person only |
Clovis City Council Chambers |
|
February 22, 2024 |
In-person only |
Mendocino County Board of Supervisors |
|
March 14, 2024 |
In-person only |
Indio City Hall Council Chambers |
|
March 19, 2024 |
Virtual only |
Remote access via webcast or phone. Phone: 1-800-857-1917, passcode: 6032788# |