Information provided by The Rural County Representatives of California. Lea este artículo en español aquí.
The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) has taken legal action to protect reliable communications service for rural Californians by filing a motion to intervene in AT&T’s federal lawsuit against the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the California Attorney General. RCRC conducted this filing in partnership with The Utility Reform Network (TURN), the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), and the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
AT&T’s lawsuit seeks to eliminate California’s Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) requirements, longstanding obligations that ensure residents have access to basic telephone service regardless of where they live. RCRC and its partners previously filed an amicus curiae brief supporting the CPUC and Attorney General and are now seeking formal party status in the case to ensure the interests of California residents and communities are fully represented before a final decision is reached.
“This intervention is about ensuring rural voices are heard in a case that could have far-reaching consequences for communities across California,” said Miles Menetrey, RCRC Board Chair and Mariposa County Supervisor. “Carrier of Last Resort obligations have helped guarantee access to essential communications services for decades. Any effort to eliminate those protections must be carefully scrutinized to ensure rural residents are not left with less reliable service and fewer consumer protections.”
The motion emphasizes the importance of preserving universal service and ensuring that any replacement technology provides the same or better reliability, functionality, and service quality as the existing landline network. It also raises concerns about limiting California’s authority to enforce consumer protection and public safety standards, particularly in rural and underserved areas where wireless alternatives remain unreliable or unavailable.
COLR requirements play a critical role in ensuring access to communications services during emergencies, natural disasters, and power outages. For many rural residents, landline service remains one of the most dependable forms of communication when other networks fail.
RCRC remains committed to ensuring that any transition to new communications technologies preserves the reliability, affordability, and public safety benefits that Californians, especially those in rural communities, depend on every day.