AT&T is dedicated to supporting the communities we serve and has been focused on delivering increased connectivity to the underserved in order to bridge the digital divide. We value the partnership we have with the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission and the work you do to positively impact lives throughout our community.
You may have seen media reports of the notices AT&T recently sent to our California customers regarding AT&T’s applications with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Part of this process includes upcoming Public Participation Hearings (PPHs).
To help clarify the plans that may have been misrepresented in the press, today I'm sending a summary that you can share with your clients and partners outlining AT&T’s activities at the CPUC, including our notification to customers: we're basically upgrading our network so home phone calls can connect consistently with friends & family utilizing the best technology available.
One of the applications that AT&T submitted, if approved, would remove AT&T’s obligation under California law to provide traditional landline phone service in a large portion of our service territory in California – known as Carrier of Last Resort (COLR).
AT&T’s COLR obligation in California means that we must provide traditional phone service to any potential customer in our service territory. However, the COLR obligation no longer makes sense given that less than 7% of households in our service territory are using copper-based traditional landline phone services.
We believe that this obligation is outdated and no longer necessary given that nearly everyone in our California service territory already has or can choose among several comparable or lower-priced wireline and wireless alternatives to copper-based landlines for voice service.
We want to be clear about AT&T’s applications with the CPUC:
- We are not cancelling landline service in California and no California customer will lose access to voice service if the CPUC approves our applications. In short, no AT&T California customer will be left behind – For customers who do not have alternatives available, we will continue to provide service until such time as an alternative is available.
- Our COLR application seeks an approved plan to help consumers transition from outdated services to modern services, but that plan will not begin right away.
- AT&T California customers will have access to voice services including access to 911 and emergency services, whether from AT&T or another service provider.
Approval of AT&T’s applications will establish a pathway that allows us to better follow consumer demands – transitioning away from copper-based service and networks and allowing for continuing investments in modern, IP-based services and networks.
As I mentioned, as part of the public process, the CPUC is hosting Public Participation Hearings in February and March. For more information, visit cpuc.ca.gov/pph. We believe these public forums serve as a valuable opportunity for public comment and encourage residents and businesses to participate.
Here is some more information: