California says AT&T lied to FCC in attempt to shut off old phone network

Key Points:

• California state regulators accuse AT&T of misleading the FCC to discontinue its copper phone network without providing adequate wired replacements, countering AT&T's claims that state rules force it to maintain copper lines.
• The state argues that AT&T's proposal to replace copper lines with wireless service, specifically its LTE-based Advanced Phone service, is inadequate due to insufficient indoor coverage, higher costs, and potential reliability issues, including 911 service concerns.
• California emphasizes that wireless coverage maps used by AT&T do not reliably demonstrate adequate indoor voice service necessary to meet federal replacement standards and warns that wireless substitutes could undermine consumer welfare and universal service goals.
• AT&T has sued California to preempt state regulations requiring it to maintain landline service, but California urges the FCC to reject or delay AT&T’s discontinuance applications, warning against quick approvals that bypass thorough review of service quality and consumer impact.
• The state highlights that AT&T’s wireless replacement may not support critical programs like California Lifeline or relay services for the disabled, and stresses that any discontinuance should ensure affordable, reliable, and accessible communication for all customers.