California accuses AT&T of lying to FCC to shut off old phone network

California state regulators accuse AT&T of lying to the Federal Communications Commission in an attempt to shut off its old copper phone network without providing an adequate replacement. "AT&T asserts that California seeks to prohibit or hinder wireline carriers from discontinuing copper facilities and investing in fiber," said a June 15 filing by the state of California and the California Public Utilities Commission. "Indeed, AT&T has been making this argument for years.

It is not and has never been true." As we reported last month, AT&T sued California over the state’s refusal to let it stop providing phone service to all potential customers in its wireline network territory. AT&T also petitioned the Federal Communications Commission to declare that California cannot enforce its rules and to let AT&T stop providing service to about 199,000 phone customers. Why this matters: The dispute between AT&T and California highlights the tension between telecommunications companies seeking to upgrade their infrastructure and regulators tasked with ensuring that rural and underserved areas are not left behind.

The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the future of phone service in California and beyond, particularly for the 199,000 customers who could be affected by AT&T's proposed shutdown. If AT&T is allowed to discontinue service, it could set a precedent for other carriers to follow, potentially leaving vulnerable communities without reliable access to emergency services and other vital communications. As the FCC considers AT&T's petition, it will need to balance the company's desire to invest in newer technologies with its obligation to protect consumers and ensure that the public interest is served.