The recent public hearings regarding AT&T’s proposed end to the Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) obligation have sparked significant controversy and concern.
The Carrier of Last Resort
AT&T, one of the largest telecommunications providers in the United States, filed an application in March 2023 to end its Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) obligation in California. This designation requires AT&T to provide basic phone service to all residents, regardless of profitability. The first of several public hearings on this application took place recently, hosted by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
The fact is that most elevator phones, emergency phones, and area of refuge phones use a traditional landline to communicate emergency services and first responders. Once AT&T finalizes it’s phase out of the copper lines, upgrading will be mandatory to comply with local and federal elevator guidelines.
Rural Outcry
For rural customers, the stakes are high. Landlines are often their only means of communication, especially in areas with spotty cell service. Residents have voiced their concerns, emphasizing the critical role landlines play during emergencies.
Elderly residents unfamiliar with newer technologies have voiced concern that when an emergency arises, how will they call for help. These sentiments echo across the state, where over 500,000 AT&T customers could be left with fewer options if the COLR obligation is lifted.
AT&T’s proposal promises to maintain basic phone service for at least six months and indefinitely in areas without alternative voice options.
City Support
On the other side of the debate are city dwellers who view landlines as outdated and unnecessary. With alternatives like cellular and other services readily available, they argue that landlines are no longer essential. Supporters of the phaseout believe it will free up resources for modernizing communication infrastructure.
The Balancing Act
The CPUC faces a delicate balancing act. While AT&T insists it won’t immediately cut off service, ending the COLR obligation could pave the way for future landline disconnections. Critics worry about the reliability of alternatives, especially during power outages or natural disasters. VoIP and wireless services lack the same obligations as landlines, including reliable access to 911 and Lifeline program discounts.
The Verdict
An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for April, with a proposed decision expected in September. The docket has already received over 2,100 comments from concerned citizens, overwhelmingly opposing AT&T’s plan. As the debate rages on, the fate of landlines hangs in the balance—a tug-of-war between tradition and progress, rural needs and urban convenience.
Whether AT&T’s proposal prevails or not, one thing is clear: the landline, once a ubiquitous fixture in American homes, now stands at a crossroads, and updating your elevators emergency phone line has never been more pertinent.
To upgrade your elevator phone to cellular, Contact Lance.
