AT&T Urged to Keep Copper Service for 184,000 Homes and 15,000 Businesses
T•California Public Utilities Commission urged a U.S. court and the FCC to block AT&T’s plan to end copper phone service for 184,000 residential and 15,000 business customers across 360 California wire centers from June 2027. AT&T spends $1 billion annually to maintain its legacy network serving 3% of California households.
1. CPUC Seeks to Block Service Discontinuation
The California Public Utilities Commission has filed with a U.S. court and the FCC to oppose AT&T’s request to discontinue traditional copper wire phone service, arguing that carrier-of-last-resort obligations require AT&T to maintain basic service regardless of technology.
2. Affected Subscribers and Timeline
AT&T plans to cease copper-based residential and business telephone service across 360 California wire centers effective June 2027, impacting roughly 184,000 home lines and 15,000 business lines unless regulators intervene.
3. Legacy Network Costs and Usage
AT&T reports it spends $1 billion annually to support its century-old copper network, which now serves just 3% of households in its California territory, citing cost burdens and availability of faster alternatives.
