AT&T Sues California to End Traditional Phone Service Amid Infrastructure Upgrade

AT&T has filed a lawsuit against California officials to stop maintaining its traditional copper phone lines, which serve only 3% of households in the state. The telecom giant claims it spends $1 billion annually on this outdated network and plans to invest $19 billion to expand fiber services to over 4 million customers by 2030. The lawsuit targets state rules requiring the company to continue offering traditional phone service, even as the FCC encourages the retirement of copper lines. Critics warn that phasing out the old network could negatively impact vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those relying on medical devices. AT&T asserts that transitioning to fiber will enhance service reliability and reduce energy consumption. The company has also petitioned the FCC for permission to discontinue traditional services where faster options are available.

Key Points: • AT&T's lawsuit aims to end the requirement for maintaining copper phone lines in California. • The company plans to invest $19 billion in fiber infrastructure, affecting over 4 million households. • Critics express concerns about the impact on vulnerable populations reliant on traditional phone services.