AT&T is still on the hook for offering landline service in California

AT&T can’t pull the plug on landline service for patrons throughout California. In a ruling on Thursday, the California Public Utilities Fee (CPUC) rejected AT&T’s request to launch it from its obligations as a Service of Final Resort (COLR), as reported earlier by Ars Technica and CBS Information.

AT&T has had a COLR designation in California since 1996, which ensures everybody within the state has entry to inexpensive and dependable phone service. Some folks in California — particularly those that stay in distant areas — have come to depend on their landline service, because it permits them to make emergency calls even when the facility is out or mobile service isn’t out there.

Earlier this 12 months, AT&T requested CPUC to be launched from its duties as a chosen service, citing the broad availability of cell service and VoIP. In its request, AT&T argues the “financial justification” for COLR now not exists as a result of different voice providers with “affordable charges” and “based mostly on superior applied sciences” can be found all through the state. The corporate provides that it “bears substantial value to keep up and function” the copper landline community, whereas rivals don’t should. AT&T says it could proceed offering landline service in areas the place there isn’t any different out there.

Nevertheless, CPUC rejected AT&T’s request. The company says “AT&T did not show the supply of alternative suppliers keen and capable of function COLR.” The choice additionally cites public commenters who introduced up the “unreliability” of cell service and VoIP. AT&T is now pushing for brand new guidelines that will change the way in which California designates a COLR.

“No buyer can be left with out voice and 911 providers,” Marc Blakeman, president of AT&T California, says in an emailed assertion to The Verge. “We’re totally dedicated to conserving our prospects linked whereas we work with state leaders on insurance policies that create a considerate transition that brings fashionable communications to all Californians.”