California — Thousands of California households will soon face a major change to their telephone service after federal regulators approved AT&T’s plan to phase out traditional landline connections in parts of the state.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has authorized the company to begin discontinuing copper-based landline service for more than 184,000 households starting June 1, 2027, marking another step in the telecommunications industry’s shift toward newer digital and wireless technologies.
While AT&T says the transition will provide customers with faster and more reliable options, consumer advocates warn the change could have significant consequences for residents who still depend on traditional phone service.
AT&T Says Customers Will Be Transitioned to New Technology
According to AT&T, only about 3% of the California households it serves continue to use traditional landline service.
The company said it plans to take a phased, year-long approach to help affected customers move to alternative communication services where newer technology is already available.
In a statement following the FCC’s decision, AT&T said it plans to invest $19 billion in California through 2030 to expand and improve its communications network.
“We’re committing to invest $19 billion in California through 2030 to connect more Californians to the best and largest network and upgrade customers to better products to meet our customers’ needs for fast, reliable connectivity as we transition from aging copper networks in the state,” AT&T said.
The company maintains that replacing aging copper infrastructure will improve service quality and reliability for customers.
Consumer Groups Raise Concerns About Losing Essential Service
Not everyone supports the transition.
The Rural County Representatives of California said some customers have already received notices informing them that their traditional landline service will eventually end.
The organization argued that the letters could give customers the impression they have no choice but to switch immediately.
“Across California, AT&T customers are receiving notices stating that their traditional landline service will be discontinued and encouraging them to switch to alternative technologies. While these letters may sound definitive, they can be misleading and do not fully reflect AT&T’s ongoing obligation to provide basic telephone service to its California customers upon request,” the organization said.
Critics have expressed concern that older adults, rural residents, and households with limited access to reliable wireless or broadband service could be disproportionately affected by the change.
Years of Legal and Regulatory Battles Led to FCC Decision
AT&T has spent nearly three years seeking to end its Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) obligation in California.
Under the COLR requirement, telephone companies must provide basic landline service to customers regardless of where they live or their income level.
The company first asked the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) in 2023 to end that responsibility, but the request was denied.
AT&T later supported California Assembly Bill 470, legislation that would have removed its COLR obligation. However, the bill ultimately failed to become law.
After those efforts stalled, the company filed a federal lawsuit against the state and submitted applications to the FCC seeking approval to move forward with the transition.
More Legal Challenges Still Ahead
Although the FCC has approved AT&T’s plan to phase out traditional landline service beginning in 2027, the matter is not fully settled.
According to reports, additional regulatory applications remain pending, and the California Public Utilities Commission has also filed a lawsuit opposing the company’s efforts.
As those legal proceedings continue, affected customers are expected to receive more information about available replacement services and transition options before the planned rollout begins.
What do you think about the move away from traditional landlines?
Should companies be allowed to retire aging networks, or should basic phone service remain available for everyone who still depends on it? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.