AT&T Faces Backlash Over Plan to End Landline Service in California

AT&T is facing protests over its plans to discontinue traditional landline telephone service in California, with the state's Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) raising concerns about the potential impact on customers, particularly those reliant on federal Lifeline support. AT&T argues that it is burdened by outdated regulatory obligations, such as being the carrier-of-last-resort (COLR), and maintaining two separate networks, while other providers are not subject to the same requirements. The company's application to withdraw as the COLR and relinquish its designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) is under review, with implications for both service provision and federal funding.