Assemblymember Mia Bonta issued a special newsletter after receiving calls from District 18 community members, particularly seniors, who felt dismayed by the news that AT&T has appealed to end their status as a Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) for landline telecommunication service in California.
“This is concerning,’ Bonta wrote, “and as the California Public Utilities Commission reviews (AT&T’s) application, I want to provide a factual basis to dispel worries over an immediate impact on our district’s landline service.”
Current regulations require AT&T to provide landline telephone services to any requesting customer in regions of California where AT&T serves as the default provider, including here in Assembly District 18, Bonta stated.
In an application filed in December 2023, AT&T petitioned the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to void the company’s legal obligation to maintain landline coverage, without designating a new COLR to take its place.
“Though significant, this action does not represent an immediate threat to your landline service,” Bonta noted. “The CPUC is currently holding a series of public forums to hear from Californians, with evidentiary hearings beginning in April, and a decision expected to occur in September. If you believe you may be impacted by these potential changes, I encourage you to participate in the CPUC’s public forum on March 19.”
If you believe you may be impacted by these potential changes, Assemblymember Bonta suggests taking the following actions:
- Submit a public comment to the CPUC.
- Participate in the CPUC Online Public Forum.
- Read the CPUC Fact Sheet.
- Email the CPUC directly.
“The public’s participation is vital to this process,” Bonta said. “I look forward to hearing from constituents from Assembly District 18.”
