AT&T remains 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 Service of Final Resort (COLR), as reported earlier by Ars Technica and CBS News.

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 individuals in California — particularly those that dwell in distant areas — have come to depend on their landline service, as IT permits them to make emergency calls even when the facility is out or mobile service isn’t accessible.

Earlier this 12 months, AT&T asked CPUC to be launched from its duties as a chosen 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 providers with “cheap charges” and “primarily based on superior applied sciences” can be found all through the state. The corporate provides that IT “bears substantial value to take care of and function” the copper landline community, whereas rivals don’t must. AT&T says IT would proceed offering landline service in areas the place there isn’t a different accessible.

Nonetheless, CPUC rejected AT&T’s request. The company says “AT&T didn’t display the provision of alternative suppliers prepared 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 new rules that might change the best way California designates a COLR.

“No buyer shall 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 protecting our prospects linked whereas we work with state leaders on insurance policies that create a considerate transition that brings fashionable communications to all Californians.”