CPUC May Change Rural Landline Requirements — Public Comment Needed by May 13

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is considering major changes to the rules that guarantee basic telephone service across the state—especially in rural communities. This review, officially known as Rulemaking 24-06-012, focuses on the Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) designation, which currently requires certain phone companies to provide service to anyone in their territory, regardless of location or income.

Sixteen companies in California currently serve as COLRs, including AT&T and Frontier, which cover large swaths of the state. While COLRs are allowed to use any technology—landline, wireless, or VoIP—they must meet the state’s minimum standards for reliability and access. This includes 911 service, voice quality, and access for people with disabilities.

The CPUC is now asking whether these rules still make sense in an age of smartphones and broadband—and under what circumstances a company can opt out of COLR responsibilities. While this is separate from AT&T’s previous attempt to end its COLR duties (denied in June 2024), this rulemaking could impact thousands of rural residents who depend on landlines, especially during emergencies and power outages.

Residents from Humboldt, Mendocino, and beyond have already started weighing in. A Southern Humboldt resident wrote:

Another from Point Arena added:

The next public hearing is tomorrow—Tuesday, May 13—with remote sessions at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
You can call in to comment at 1-800-857-1917, passcode 6032788#, then press 1 to speak.
You can also submit written comments online at the CPUC’s public comment portal by searching for Rulemaking 24-06-012, or visit https://apps.cpuc.ca.gov/apex/f?p=401:65:0::NO:RP,57,RIR:P5_PROCEEDING_SELECT:R2406012.