AT&T California to Withdraw its Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Designation and for Relief from its Carrier of Last Resort Obligation (A.23-03-003)

Update: On May 10, 2024, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a proposal rejecting AT&T’s request to withdraw as a carrier of last resort (COLR) and indicating that the CPUC intends to initiate a new Rulemaking process to address COLR telecommunications service obligations. The proposal will be on the CPUC’s June 20 Voting Meeting agenda. You can read more about CPUC’s proposed decision HERE.

BACKGROUND

California telecommunications policy includes an ongoing commitment to universal service by assuring the continued affordability and widespread availability of high-quality telecommunications services. The CPUC has deemed Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) obligations an important component of universal access to communications services because these obligations ensure that customers who want service, receive it.

In March of 2023, AT&T filed for permission to abandon its obligation to offer phone service to anyone who requests it in its service territory, impacting approximately 29.5 million Californians and over 500,000 traditional landline customers with no guarantee of phone service.  AT&T has failed to identify a replacement carrier of last resort and no equivalent pathway to guarantee universal service in its place.  If AT&T’s application is granted, the decision would mostly serve to harm our most vulnerable populations, including low-income customers who participate in the LifeLine program which provides discounted home phone and cell phone services to qualified households and those who participate in the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program which provides communications equipment and services to persons with disabilities.