The Rural County Representatives of California reports that, in coordination with a broad coalition of consumer, local government, labor, agricultural and public interest organizations, it has filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission opposing a threat to universal telephone service protections.
AT&T’s Petition for Preemption and Declaratory Ruling seeks to prevent California’s Carrier of Last Resort requirements from applying to AT&T’s planned discontinuance of Plain Old Telephone Service, said RCRC. California’s COLR requirements are longstanding universal service obligations that ensure residents have access to basic telephone service regardless of where they live. AT&T’s petition asks the FCC to determine that California’s COLR obligations, and any related state requirements, cannot prevent the company from discontinuing POTS service once it receives FCC authorization.
If the FCC grants AT&T’s petition, the company could move forward with abandoning universal service obligations that millions of Californians rely on, particularly those living in rural communities.
The coalition’s comments raise significant concerns with AT&T’s petition improperly limiting California’s authority to enforce consumer protection and public safety standards, especially in rural and underserved areas where wireless alternatives remain unreliable, inadequate or unavailable — or have not yet been demonstrated to provide equivalent service during emergencies, said RCRC.
The comments also emphasize that California’s COLR framework does not require providers to maintain copper infrastructure or use any specific technology. Rather, it requires only that all Californians continue to have access to reliable and adequate communications services.
“Universal service remains a cornerstone of public safety and connectivity for rural communities across California, especially during emergencies, natural disasters and power outages,” said RCRC Second Vice Chair and Napa County Supervisor Anne Cottrell. “It is critical that any replacement technology provides the same or better reliability, functionality and service quality as the existing landline network before these longstanding protections are eliminated.”
RCRC joined a coalition of organizations, such as The Utility Reform Network, California Alliance for Digital Equity, California State Association of Counties and the Communications Workers of America, in submitting comments to the FCC on July 7 and July 22.
In addition to filing comments with the FCC, RCRC and its partners recently submitted an amicus curiae brief supporting the California Public Utilities Commission and California attorney general in AT&T’s federal lawsuit challenging the state’s authority to maintain COLR obligations. RCRC also joined a motion to intervene seeking formal party status in the case to ensure the interests of California residents and communities are fully represented before a final decision is reached.
These legal filings were submitted in partnership with TURN, CSAC and CWA, reflecting a unified commitment to preserving reliable communications access and protecting the public interest for communities throughout California, said RCRC. Plumas County is one of RCRC’s 40 member counties.
