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California blocks AT&T’s plan to phase out landlines
Landlines are in the spotlight in California.
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Nishal Pavithran on Unsplash
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Topline:
Your landline is safe for now. California regulators have voted to reject AT&T’s bid to withdraw as a carrier of last resort. That requires it to offer basic landline service to anyone who wants it. This comes after a wave of public backlash from residents who opposed the company’s plan over public safety concerns.
Why it matters: Millions of Californians rely on traditional copper-based phone service. In the event of a disaster or power outage, experts say they’re among the most reliable forms of communication, especially for those in rural, tribal or coastal communities.
What happens next: While the vote by the California Public Utilities Commission is a blow for AT&T, the CPUC has acknowledged that the rules for carriers of last resort might be outdated, given new technological advances. It has now agreed to consider changes to the regulations. Meanwhile, AT&T is also taking a legislative route, working with a state lawmaker in Inglewood on a bill that would eliminate the rules altogether.
The backstory: Thousands of residents submitted public comments and attended public meetings to reject AT&T’s proposal. Read more here: What Would Happen If AT&T Gets Rid Of Landlines? Angelenos Are Weighing In
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