AT&T continues to be on the hook for providing landline service in California

AT&T can’t pull the plug on landline service for purchasers 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 Provider 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 reasonably priced and dependable phone service. Some folks in California — particularly those that dwell in distant areas — have come to depend on their landline service, because it permits them to make emergency calls even when the ability 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 delegated provider, citing the broad availability of cellular service and VoIP. In its request, AT&T argues the “financial justification” for COLR now not exists as a result of different voice companies with “affordable charges” and “based mostly on superior applied sciences” can be found all through the state. The corporate provides that it “bears substantial price to keep up and function” the copper landline community, whereas opponents don’t should. AT&T says it might proceed offering landline service in areas the place there isn’t any different out there.

Nonetheless, CPUC rejected AT&T’s request. The company says “AT&T didn’t display the supply of alternative suppliers keen and capable of function COLR.” The choice additionally cites public commenters who introduced up the “unreliability” of cellular service and VoIP. AT&T is now pushing for brand spanking new guidelines that will change the best way California designates a COLR.

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