NEWS: Schiff, Matsui, Panetta, and Thompson Urge FCC to Stop AT&T Landline Shutdown

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), U.S. Representatives Doris Matsui (D-Calif.-07), Jimmy Panetta (D-Calif.-19) and Mike Thompson (D-Calif.-04) led a bipartisan group of 28 total members of the California Congressional Delegation in urging Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr to stop AT&T's effort to discontinue landline services and uphold its obligation to serve California communities.

The push comes just days after a federal court rejected AT&T's request to temporarily block California from enforcing its Carrier of Last Resort requirements while the company's lawsuit proceeds.

"This continued attempt by AT&T to cease operations of critical networks in areas that are prone to wildfires, landslides, massive snowstorms, and earthquakes would leave approximately 200,000 California residential and business customers without alternative communications in the event of a cellular outage," wrote the lawmakers. "Relatedly, as has befallen AT&T in the recent past, these outages could last for days, weeks, and in some cases, months. We urge the Commission to deny AT&T's various applications because the negative consequences for the public far outweigh any benefits, and the proposed replacement is wholly inadequate."

AT&T has sought federal approval to discontinue legacy landline service affecting California residents and businesses, relinquish its Eligible Telecommunications Carrier status, and override California's Carrier of Last Resort protections. Its proposed wireless replacement relies on electrical grids and cellular towers that may be damaged or unavailable during disasters.

"We recognize the importance of modernizing our networks and expanding fiber-optic infrastructure to underserved communities," the lawmakers continued. "However, these efforts must be carried out in a manner that protects public safety and preserves resilient access for vulnerable communities during emergencies and outages."

The letter follows a bipartisan 2024 effort by members of the California delegation opposing AT&T's previous attempt to abandon its Carrier of Last Resort obligations. The California Public Utilities Commission later denied that request after significant public opposition.

The lawmakers call on the FCC to protect California's authority to set local utility and public safety standards and prevent customers from losing reliable access to emergency communications. At minimum, they request protections for communities prone to wildfires, extreme weather, and locations where indoor cellular coverage is unreliable.

The full text of the letter can be found here.

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