AT&T Seeks to Shut Down Landlines in California, Sparking Concerns

Most of us take our phone service for granted, except in places where cell signals drop and power outages are common. That’s why California lawmakers are now debating a bill that could allow AT&T to phase out its long-standing obligation to provide traditional copper landlines — a move that could leave some residents without a reliable way to call for help.

According to PhoneArena, AT&T has been designated California's “Carrier of Last Resort,” which means it must offer basic landline service to anyone who asks—even in remote or less profitable areas. The telecom argues that fewer than 5% of Californians still use these old-school copper lines and that mobile or internet-based phone options now serve most people adequately.

Critics, however, warn this shift could pose real risks. In emergencies (like wildfires or storms) cell networks and internet services often fail, while copper landlines, which don’t rely on local power, keep working. The report highlighted the story of a 90-year-old stroke survivor who went without a working phone for two months because copper lines weren’t repaired quickly enough. Labor groups point out such disruptions aren’t just inconvenient—they can be dangerous.

The proposed legislation would require AT&T to first confirm that all affected households have access to affordable and reliable alternatives (like cell service or fiber-based voice connections) before cutting copper line support. The bill has already passed a Senate committee by a 9–2 vote and is moving to the Senate Judiciary Committee next.

AT&T insists this is a necessary modernization move. It says maintaining old copper networks is expensive, and with more people relying on cellphones and internet calling, the requirement to keep landlines has outlived its usefulness.

The stakes are clear. In California’s rural stretches, seniors and people with disabilities count on landlines during emergencies. Those in wildfire-prone regions often say copper phones saved them during past evacuations. Without a reliable backup, those communities could be left dangerously disconnected.

With regulators now weighing both the push for modernization and the need for safety nets, lawmakers have a tough choice: let AT&T retire its copper networks after ensuring proper replacements are in place—or preserve landlines for the most vulnerable Californians.

Source: PhoneArena