California: CPUC denies AT&T’s request to be released from COLR duties

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has voted to deny AT&T’s request to be released from its duties as Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) in the state, leaving the company legally obligated to provide its telephone services to anyone who asks.

"Despite AT&T’s contention that providers of voice alternatives to landline service — such as VoIP or mobile wireless services — can fill the gap, the CPUC found AT&T did not meet the requirements for COLR withdrawal. Specifically, AT&T failed to demonstrate the availability of replacement providers willing and able to serve as COLR, nor did AT&T prove that alternative providers met the COLR definition," said the CPUC.

"The law and facts of this case are such that AT&T’s Application must be dismissed with prejudice," said CPUC in its decision to dismiss the request. "The Commission’s COLR Rules require the presence of another COLR, either one already in place or one willing to replace AT&T, for the Commission to relieve AT&T of its COLR duties. No other COLR serves AT&T’s service territory and no potential COLR volunteered to replace AT&T. Thus, even if AT&T were to prove all other facts it asserts, its Application still fails to meet this standard."