County of Santa Clara Encourages California Public Utilities Commission to Preserve Landline Service for Residents
County leaders have been advocating on behalf of residents who would be impacted by AT&T’s request to end its landline services
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF.— The County of Santa Clara has been advocating on behalf of residents and fighting to preserve landlines, particularly for those who live in disaster-prone areas with unreliable cellular service.
In a report to the Board of Supervisors on June 18, County leaders detailed the latest advocacy efforts asking the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to deny AT&T’s request to withdraw from being a designated carrier that is required to provide basic telephone service.
“Many Santa Clara County residents live in areas where mobile phone and internet service is non-existent or spotty, and rely on landline telephone services, especially in an emergency,” said County Executive James R. Williams. “It is incumbent on the CPUC to make sure residents have access to safe, reliable, and affordable telephone service.”
In April 2023, AT&T filed an application with the CPUC to withdraw from being the Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) in most of its service area in California, including in much of Santa Clara County. If granted, AT&T’s withdrawal would leave large areas of the county without a carrier legally obligated to provide basic telephone service to residents who request it. County Supervisors in March directed the administration to advocate on behalf of residents.
“We live in an increasingly digital world. In the midst of all these technological advancements, we have to make sure we don’t leave anyone behind or in danger,” said Supervisor Joe Simitian. “Unfortunately, AT&T’s request to withdraw as a designated landline carrier would do just that. It would be reckless and irresponsible to eliminate basic communications services, particularly in areas prone to disasters like wildfires and earthquakes.”
“Land lines provide a critical communications link for many in our community, particularly seniors. That is why AT&T cannot be allowed to end or shirk its Carrier of Last Resort obligations,” said Supervisor Cindy Chavez.
Multiple County departments have been working this year to ensure that landline access remains for Santa Clara County residents. Director of the County’s Office of Emergency Management, Dana Reed, made public comments at the CPUC forum in March in opposition to AT&T’s application.
“We cannot prevent disasters, but we can prepare for them. And one of the most critical ways to protect our community is to ensure that everyone has access to reliable phone service,” Reed said. “Imagine someone living in one of Santa Clara County’s more remote areas and the impact this would have on their safety.”
Shortly after the public forum, the Office of the County Counsel filed a motion for the County to formally become a party to the CPUC proceeding concerning AT&T’s application. During this time, the County’s Office of Intergovernmental Relations has also been closely monitoring this issue and coordinated with state and local government associations to voice opposition. Several of the county’s Congressional Delegates signed onto a letter citing concerns about AT&T’s intentions to withdraw, including Congressmembers Jimmy Panetta, Anna Eshoo, and Ro Khanna.
In May, the Administrative Law Judge assigned to the CPUC proceeding issued a proposed decision to dismiss AT&T’s application. The County filed formal comments supporting the proposed decision. The CPUC is expected to consider whether to adopt this proposed decision at its meeting on June 20.
# # #
ABOUT THE COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA
The County of Santa Clara government serves a diverse, multi-cultural population of 1.9 million residents in Santa Clara County, California, making it more populous than 14 states in the U.S. The County provides essential services to its residents, including public health protection, environmental stewardship, medical services through the County of Santa Clara Health System, child and adult protection services, homelessness prevention and solutions, roads, park services, libraries, emergency response to disasters, protection of minority communities and those under threat, access to a fair criminal justice system, and many other public benefits.
Visit the County of Santa Clara at: https://www.santaclaracounty.gov
Like us on Facebook: http://Facebook.com/County.of.Santa.Clara/
Follow us on X/Twitter: http://twitter.com/sccgov
Contact: María Leticia Gómez / Quan Vu, Office of Communications and Public Affairs, (408) 299-5119, [email protected]