A new bill in California could allow AT&T to phase out landline services, affecting hundreds of thousands of households. Assembly Bill 470 proposes to relieve AT&T of its legal obligation as a carrier of last resort, which requires the company to provide landline services to anyone who requests them. The bill aims to transition from copper landlines to more modern communication technologies, such as fiber optics and voice-over internet protocol (VoIP).
AT&T argues that the transition will modernize the state’s telecommunications infrastructure and improve reliability. According to LAist, Susan Santana, president of AT&T California, stated, “We’re committed to working with state leaders and community members on policies that create a thoughtful transition to bring more reliable, modern communications to all Californians.”
However, digital equity advocates and emergency responders express concerns over the potential impact on public safety. Landlines are seen as crucial during emergencies, such as wildfires or earthquakes, because they carry their own electrical charge and remain operational during power outages. Regina Costa of The Utility Reform Network (TURN) emphasized that the bill is about ensuring reliable telecom service for every Californian, regardless of technology.
Despite the push for modernization, some groups, including the California Farm Bureau Federation and several labor unions, oppose the bill. They argue that AT&T has not adequately maintained its copper-based networks, and the proposed alternatives may be vulnerable to cyberattacks. As Yahoo News reports, President Ametrius Sidney of the California Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association highlighted that landlines are essential for accessing 911 services, especially in areas with poor wireless coverage.
The bill, introduced by Assemblywoman Tina McKinnor, is set for a hearing in the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee. The outcome could significantly impact California’s telecommunications landscape, as the state remains the final holdout in allowing AT&T to phase out landlines.
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