Understanding AT&T’s Landline Disconnection Notices 

On May 20, 2026, AT&T submitted applications to discontinue residential and business telephone service provided over legacy copper-based telephone network landlines, commonly referred to as plain old telephone service (POTS), across California on or after June 1, 2027, affecting approximately 184,000 residential customers and 15,000 business customers. On June 15, 2026, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) submitted comments on the applications. Read them here. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reviewing AT&T’s requests to discontinue POTS services. More information is available through the FCC’s public docket.  

As the designated Carrier of Last Resort (COLR), AT&T has an ongoing legal obligation to provide basic telephone services to California customers. However, many California residents and AT&T customers have received notices stating that their traditional landline services will be discontinued and encouraging them to switch to alternative technologies. These notices are not definitive and do not change AT&Ts legal responsibility as a COLR to provide basic, reliable telephone services to anyone who asks for it.

What Can You Do if You Receive a Notice?  

• File a complaint with the CPUC online, or by calling 1-800-649-7570.  
• Submit public comments to the CPUC regarding proposed changes to the state’s COLR rules through its rulemaking proceedings.