Public Message to AT&T California at CPUC Meeting is Clear: Maintain Our Landlines!

UPDATE: 5/13/2024

CPUC Proposes Dismissal of AT&T’s Application to End Landline Service Obligations

On Friday, May 10th, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a Proposed Decision to reject AT&T’s application to be relieved of its “Carrier of Last Resort” (COLR) status, which requires the company to provide basic landline telephone service to any customer in its service territory who requests it[1][2][3][4][5].

The CPUC’s Administrative Law Judge found that AT&T failed to demonstrate the availability of replacement providers willing and able to serve as COLR, nor did AT&T prove that alternative providers met the COLR definition[2]. The Proposed Decision concludes that AT&T’s legal and factual analysis is flawed and misconstrues the CPUC’s requirements for withdrawing COLR obligations[5].

Hundreds of people spoke out at a CPUC hearing, with most callers urging the commission to deny AT&T’s request[1]. Supporters of AT&T argued that keeping COLR obligations would lessen the push for broadband access, while most callers said removing landline service could threaten vulnerable residents during emergencies[1].

The CPUC will consider whether to accept the Administrative Law Judge’s Proposed Decision at its June 20, 2024 meeting[2]. The public can continue to comment on the issue, with the CPUC having received over 5,000 public comments and held virtual public forums across the state, which have drawn more than 5,800 attendees[2].

Citations
^{[1] https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/att-landline-proposal-hundreds-speak-out-cpuc-hearing/
[2] https://www.smcgov.org/ceo/news/statement-proposed-decision-deny-atts-dangerous-application-end-landline-telephone-service
[3] https://www.dailynews.com/2024/05/11/california-commission-signals-opposition-to-att-landline-request/
[4] https://www.kcra.com/article/california-cpuc-proposal-rejecting-atandt-plan-to-end-landline-obligation/60760449
[5] https://www.rcrcnet.org/cpuc-issues-proposed-decision-rejecting-att%E2%80%99s-application-abandon-traditional-landlines}

Previous Article Below

Ukiah, CA – The meeting today started with a representative from AT&T saying that they will not leave anyone without communication, that they will be upgrading everyone to something more modern, to broadband. This is at a meeting where they have requested to the CPUC to no longer be California’s Carrier of Last Resort, so they no longer have the duty to maintain copper land lines that people rely on, sometimes for survival. Broadband refers to high-speed internet access that allows users to connect to the internet. It includes various technologies like DSL, cable, fiber, and 5G wireless internet. Several people spoke out about being sensitive to EMF and stated that they could not use wireless due to that and the fact that there simply is not coverage in their area from any wireless or satellite provider.

I did the 100 mile round trip, got there at 2 pm and the parking lot was packed. I parked on the grass, walked in and signed up. I was given a number in the 80’s. At one point I think I heard the CPUC had over 100 on the list of citizens to speak today. The original 3 minutes per person was shortened to 2 minutes each at the start. I stood by and listed to the speakers being broadcast into the nearby overflow area and waited to be called. At 4:30 pm they stopped, saying those who did not speak yet would go first at 6 pm. I left without speaking, feeling too sick to stick around.

The consensus of the speakers from the public seemed to be skepticism about AT&T’s claim that they would not be left without service. Given the reports of trouble with existing copper phone lines, one woman received a big response from asking, “If there was any alternative, given all the problems you’ve heard (with the copper lines) today, don’t you think people would have already switched?? There is no alternative.” (Paraphrase)

AT&T had a handout at the meeting which read as follows:

Fact Sheet: California Network Modernization

AT&T has submitted two applications to the CPUC to start the process for an orderly transition to IP-enabled wireless and fiber networks. One of our applications, if approved, would remove AT&T’s regulatory obligation to provide traditional phone service in a large portion of our service territory — known as Carrier of Last Resort (COLR).

 

No customers are being disconnected. Our customers will continue to have access to 911 and emergency services. Our application at the CPUC is simply seeking an approved process to help consumers transition from outdated services to modern services.

 

The Need for Network Modernization
* In an ever-increasing online world, Californians need access to high-speed internet for bandwidth-rich activities like school, work, and entertainment.

* According to the CDC, nationwide, more than 70% of adults and more than 80% of children live in households that exclusively use wireless phones for voice service.

* Fiber and wireless-based networks are faster, more reliable, use less energy and require less maintenance. Our fiber network is more resilient than our outdated copper network during natural disasters, when staying connected is essential.

* There’s been a dramatic, and continuing, decline in the number of customers who subscribe to our traditional landline voice service over the last two decades.

 

Our Commitment to our California Customers
– We will continue to provide service to areas where we are the only provider, including in our rural communities.

– We will work to upgrade our customers with antiquated copper phone lines to better technologies, either from us or another provider.

– We will invest in our modern, high-speed networks to help keep our customers, first responders and communities in California connected.

– Our customers will continue to have access to 9-1-1.

 

CPUC’s Approval Process
If the CPUC approves AT&T’s applications as proposed:

* AT&T would continue providing traditional copper-based landline phone service to existing customers until all the federal and state regulatory processes are completed.

* AT&T would still be required to provide telephone service in areas where no alternative voice services are yet available and continue to provide traditional landline phone service to our customers until proven alternatives become available.

 

Public Participation Process
The CPUC is hosting in-person and virtual public forums regarding AT&T’s filings. During the hearings, stakeholders can provide public comments and speak with a CPUC Administrative Law Judge regarding this proceeding.

To learn more, visit: http://cpuc.ca.gov/pph.

During the hearing, AT&T’s PR representative refuted claims of potential landline service loss and 911 access disruptions. However, when pressed for specifics by Administrative Judge Colbert, neither the representative nor their lawyer could provide clear answers on the future of this infrastructure. Concerns were raised about potential service withdrawals, quality reductions, mandatory bundling, and impacts on vulnerable groups like Lifeline and Deaf & Disabled Telecommunications customers.

Speakers highlighted issues with cell service, EMF sensitivity, and the importance of landlines for critical services like medical equipment and emergency communication. Various individuals from different regions shared their experiences and concerns, including a CWA representative from Nevada detailing challenges faced in states where AT&T has made similar changes. Notable testimonies included accounts of prolonged landline issues, service disruptions, and exorbitant fees leading to lost business opportunities.

The importance of reporting complaints to the PUC was emphasized, with instances of prompt action following complaints highlighted during the hearing. The discussion also touched on ongoing investigations into landline problems through a Service Quality Proceeding, urging affected individuals to engage with this process. Concerns were raised about the lack of reliable alternatives and the impact on those reliant on traditional landline services. The hearing featured emotional stories underscoring the critical role of landlines in emergencies and daily life for many individuals. Calls for accountability and solutions were prevalent throughout the session, with attendees expressing skepticism about AT&T’s proposed changes and their potential repercussions.

As attendees left the hearing, conversations continued regarding the feasibility of AT&T’s plans and the regulatory response needed to safeguard essential communication services for all residents. The diverse perspectives shared underscored the complex challenges facing telecommunications policy and service provision in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.