Landline phones might be staying in California for a little longer after the state proposed to reject AT&T's request to end its landline services despite massive customer backlash.
Administrative Law Judge Thomas Glegola last Friday dismissed the telecom's petition to end its Carrier of Last Resort obligation, citing that "no potential COLR volunteered" to replace AT&T, USA Today reported.
The Carrier of Last Resort refers to the responsibility tasked to network providers to offer their services to all within the wireline territory in exchange for exclusive rights to operate in the area.
These responsibilities often include the maintenance and replacement of the copper-based landline facilities, a prospect AT&T considered to be "expensive to maintain."
With no other service providers willing to take up the mantle, AT&T's withdrawal would mean that over 500,000 Californians, particularly in rural areas, would lose access to landline connections.
Since the proposed withdrawal, California's Public Utilities Commission received over 5,000 public comments from affected residents protesting against AT&T.
The CPUC is set to finalize the vote on AT&T's request by June 20.
AT&T Pushes VoIP as Alternative Over 'Outdated' Landline Phones
In response, AT&T said it was "disappointed" with Glegola's decision "as we'd hoped the commission would allow us the opportunity to demonstrate why the number of options for voice service available to customers makes the COLR obligation unnecessary."
The telecom claimed that customers for its landline services have been in decline and that a transition to its more accessible wireless services like Voice over Internet Protocol.
It is worth noting that VoIP and wireless connections are vulnerable to service outages from power loss, natural disasters, and cyberattacks as evidenced by the recent nationwide AT&T outage last March.
Copper-based landline connections, on the other hand, would still work even during power outages.
Its only downside is that network repairs are becoming costlier and longer due to the antiquity of the landline networks.
Related Article : AT&T Outage Highlights US Internet Problem in Affordability, Service, and Solutions
Consumer Advocates: AT&T Withdrawal Would Jeopardize Public Safety
Amid AT&T's push to waive its obligations on landline connections, consumer advocate groups are calling against the proposal as it would "significantly jeopardize public safety."
The National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates has long pushed for the rejection of AT&T's proposal as it could hamper people's access to connect with others.
The NASTUC is currently pushing against similar problems in Utah where many residential areas still rely on copper-based networks.
