PLACERVILLE, Calif. — A broad coalition of California organizations is asking the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reject an AT&T petition that opponents say would weaken the state’s ability to guarantee reliable telephone service, particularly in rural communities where dependable communications remain critical during emergencies.
The coalition, led by the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), filed comments with the FCC opposing AT&T’s request for federal preemption of California’s Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) requirements. Those rules require designated telecommunications providers to offer basic voice service to customers throughout their assigned service areas.
For El Dorado County residents, the issue extends beyond traditional landline phones.
Many foothill and mountain communities continue to experience limited cellular coverage, frequent Public Safety Power Shutoffs, severe winter storms and wildfire-related outages. During those events, reliable voice communications can become a lifeline for residents seeking emergency assistance, contacting family members or receiving evacuation information.
According to the California Public Utilities Commission, Carrier of Last Resort obligations are technology-neutral. Providers may use fiber, wireless or Voice over Internet Protocol technologies, provided they continue delivering reliable basic communications service that meets state standards.
The coalition argues that AT&T’s petition asks the FCC to override California’s authority to enforce those protections.
“California’s Carrier of Last Resort requirements remain essential to ensuring reliable communications services for all residents,” the coalition stated in its filing, arguing that federal regulators lack the authority to invalidate the state’s consumer protections.
AT&T has argued that maintaining its aging copper telephone network costs approximately $1 billion annually in California while serving only a small percentage of customers. The company says newer technologies—including fiber and wireless services—can provide faster and more reliable communications in many areas.
California regulators disagree that modernization alone justifies ending existing obligations.
In filings before both the FCC and federal court, the California Public Utilities Commission contends that modern communications networks are important but must not come at the expense of vulnerable residents who continue relying on dependable voice service. The agency has argued that AT&T has not demonstrated that every affected customer would have an equivalent replacement service available.
The issue carries particular significance across El Dorado County.
While communities such as El Dorado Hills and Cameron Park generally enjoy multiple communications options, residents in more remote areas—including portions of Georgetown, Grizzly Flats, Somerset, Pollock Pines and the Crystal Basin region—often face limited wireless coverage due to rugged terrain and forested landscapes. During wildfire evacuations or prolonged power outages, communications resilience becomes a matter of public safety.
RCRC, which represents 40 rural California counties, argues that weakening California’s authority could disproportionately affect residents living in those communities. The organization says local governments have a strong interest in ensuring communications infrastructure remains reliable for emergency response, economic activity and access to essential services.
The FCC has not yet issued a final decision on AT&T’s petition. The outcome could influence how California regulates universal telephone service as the telecommunications industry continues transitioning away from legacy copper networks toward fiber and wireless technologies.
For El Dorado County residents, local officials and emergency managers will likely continue monitoring the proceeding closely, given the county’s recurring wildfire risk, mountainous terrain and ongoing reliance on dependable communications during disasters.
Public documents:
- California Public Utilities Commission Carrier of Last Resort proceeding: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/colr
- FCC public docket regarding AT&T’s petition (available through the FCC Electronic Comment Filing System).
