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In response to AT&T’s decision to end landline services in California, San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller requested the county Board of Supervisors to vote to issue a legislative subpoena to AT&T during a Tuesday, Feb. 27, meeting, according to a press release.
During the meeting, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors shared that they are asking AT&T officials to provide documents and to testify regarding how their decision to end landline services will affect 911 and emergency services. AT&T has agreed to comply with the request and meet over the next two weeks to provide documents and information that identify where landline service cuts would impact residents, according to a press release issued after the meeting.
In March 2023, AT&T applied to end its Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) obligations which promises telecommunication services to all customers within their territory. If this application is approved by the California Public Utilities Commission, the company will no longer be required to offer landline services in areas they are currently required to serve.
AT&T will be sending a representative to the next Board of Supervisors meeting to answer any questions but if the county finds the consultation unsatisfactory, the county retains the power to issue a subpoena.
“The county has an urgent need to hear from AT&T because they alone know exactly how many residents would be impacted, where those residents live and, importantly, if there is even cell service available in many of those areas,” said Mueller, in the press release.
Mueller, who represents District 3, argues that cutting access to landline services will have impacts on rural and coastal communities that are out of reach of reliable cellular access, especially during natural emergencies. The subpoena will call on AT&T representatives to provide information and evidence on the company’s knowledge of how many landline customers who lack reliable cellular access would be impacted if their application were approved.
“By understanding the scale of the issue and identifying the individuals who will be left isolated and vulnerable, San Mateo County can begin to plan for and implement effective measures to ensure the ongoing health and safety of our residents,” said Mueller in the press release.
The release emphasizes that if AT&T’s application is approved, thousands of state residents will lose their landline services.
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