California regulators argue AT&T misled the FCC to discontinue its copper phone network, proposing wireless service as an inadequate replacement. The state urges caution on AT&T's petitions to preempt state rules and cease service to 199,000 customers.
The dispute highlights the ongoing tension between telecommunications companies seeking to modernize infrastructure and state regulators aiming to ensure universal service and consumer protection, particularly for vulnerable populations in rural or low-income areas.
California state regulators have asserted that AT&T misled the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in its attempt to discontinue its aging copper phone network and replace it with wireless service.
In a filing, California and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) stated that AT&T's claim that state rules prevent investment in fiber is untrue. They argue that the CPUC's 2008 decision actually aimed to encourage fiber deployment.
AT&T has petitioned the FCC to preempt California's regulations, which it claims force the company to maintain the copper lines and continue offering Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) to all customers. The company seeks to cease service to approximately 199,000 customers.
California regulators contend that AT&T's proposed wireless replacement, AT&T Phone-Advanced (AP-A), is not an adequate substitute. They cite concerns about insufficient indoor mobile coverage, potential price increases compared to basic wired service, and uncertainty regarding support for low-income discount programs and relay services.
Furthermore, California regulators highlighted potential diminished 911 functionality and reliability with the proposed wireless service. They urged the FCC to require AT&T to provide a high level of certainty regarding indoor mobile coverage before considering any discontinuance.
AT&T has also filed a lawsuit against California, seeking to preempt the state's Carrier of Last Resort rules, which mandate the provision of landline service. AT&T claims it spends $1 billion annually to maintain the copper network.
California regulators have requested that the FCC either reject AT&T's applications outright or remove them from a streamlined approval process, urging caution in their decision-making.