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

International Courant

AT&T cannot 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 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 individuals 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 is not out there.

Earlier this yr, AT&T requested the 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 that the “financial justification” for COLR now not exists as a result of various 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 prices to keep up and function” the copper landline community, whereas opponents do not should. AT&T says it might proceed offering landline service in areas the place there is no such thing as a various out there.

“AT&T didn’t exhibit the provision of alternative suppliers keen and in a position to function COLR.”

Nonetheless, the CPUC rejected AT&T’s request. The company says “AT&T didn’t exhibit the provision of alternative suppliers keen and in a position to 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 spanking new guidelines that might change the best way California designates a COLR.

“No buyer will likely 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 absolutely dedicated to protecting our clients related whereas we work with state leaders on insurance policies that create a considerate transition that brings trendy communications to all Californians.”

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

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