AT&T Proposes to Eliminate Landline Service – Take Action

Communication service provider AT&T has submitted applications to the California Public Utilities Commission to eliminate its landline services from Zip codes throughout California. View the interactive map here 

Why is this a problem?

• Communication is critical in emergencies
• High-speed internet is not available in all areas, many of which are in the footprint where service is to be eliminated
• Cell service is not universally available in rural areas
• Damage to fiber-optic cables can and does impact internet and communications
• Extended power outages can and do lead to internet outages

In order for the CPUC to allow AT&T to eliminate their services, AT&T must show that viable alternatives exist. As most Calaveras residents know, there are many places where an alternative to landline services simply doesn’t exist. For those who rely on satellite based internet services, weather and power outages can render their services useless. Even providers like Comcast experience internet outages during extended power outages when their backup power supply is exhausted. There are places in Calaveras where cell service doesn’t exist, regardless of your carrier. Landlines are one of the only communication services that can work reliably during power outages as they don’t require power for an internet router, or a cell phone or device with a battery that is charged. 

Help ensure the safety of rural residents! Let the California Public Utilities Commission know we rely upon landline service from AT&T and they should deny AT&T’s application to eliminate service to many rural parts of California.

Email your comments to public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov

Or submit via their website, where you can find the “Submit a Comment” option in the right-hand sidebar. Reference Docket Card comment section for A.23-03-002 and A.23-03-003.

Points to Emphasize

• CPUC should deny AT&T’s application
• There are many places where alternatives to landlines do not exist
• In rural areas where alternatives do exist, they are often unreliable, especially during emergencies
• Many residents receive emergency communications via landline
• Eliminating landline service puts residents and first responders at risk