California Seeks Rejection of AT&T Copper Service Discontinuation Request
T•A California agency on June 18 asked a U.S. court and the Federal Communications Commission to reject AT&T’s petition to discontinue traditional copper wire phone service for new customers. Maintaining copper obligations could delay AT&T’s network transition and preserve ongoing maintenance costs, potentially affecting its capital expenditure plans.
1. Regulatory Filing Details
On June 18, the California Public Utilities Commission formally filed requests with a federal court and the Federal Communications Commission to deny AT&T’s application to end copper wire phone offerings for new customers. The filing argues that discontinuing legacy service would harm consumers lacking access to fiber infrastructure and could violate state service mandates.
2. Impact on Network Transition
AT&T has proposed phasing out copper to focus investment on fiber and wireless upgrades, citing cost savings and improved service capabilities. The regulatory challenge could force AT&T to maintain its copper network longer than planned, increasing maintenance expenses and altering projected capital expenditure allocations for its broadband rollout.
