The Monterey Herald 7/5/26 article stated that AT&T had won approval to end landline service to Californians. https://www.montereyherald.com/2026/07/04/att-win-stop-landline-service-bay-area-california/
The article may be incorrect. The FCC policy states that if customers oppose the discontinuance ((the deadline for those dockets 26-120 and 26-121 was June 15), the FCC will do a review. Many people did oppose discontinuance. The FCC also has not posted this information. The newspaper and reporter have been questioned about this information, and an update will be posted when they respond. The grandfathering information below from Save Landlines is based on the newspaper’s article, and everyone who wants a landline should order one now.
AT&T is grandfathering landline service for the affected customers on July 19th – we encourage you to order one NOW. Call AT&T at 1-800-288-2020. If they refuse, escalate to the AT&T Presidents Office at 1-800-355-9542 and file a complaint with the CPUC Consumer Affairs Branch at 1-800-649-7570.
The remaining FCC dockets 26-123 and 26-125 with deadlines are AT&T petitions to preempt California rules, CPUC regulation, and Carrier of Last Resort status, and to discontinue ETC services including Lifeline service.
From Save Landlines
LANDLINES THREATENED NATIONWIDE!
CRITICAL AND URGENT: COMMENTS DUE TO FCC BY THIS TUESDAY, JULY 7!
AT&T has filed petitions with the FCC to bypass the CPUC and disconnect customers in California, grandfathering service on July 19 and discontinuing on/after June 1, 2027. They have also sued the CPUC and CA Attorney General and are pushing a constitutional amendment to deregulate telecom.
AT&T claims “alternatives” are available to everyone; however, this is not true, and even when “alternatives” exist, they are not functionally equivalent. VoIP and wireless require backup batteries, which are insufficient in extended power outages or during disasters and rely on broadband or cellular, which are less reliable, poorer quality, and more prone to disruptions. Wireless is not accessible to many with disabilities and actual reception does not always match coverage maps. Traditional landlines are the only reliable way to reach 911 for many people. This is a national public safety issue – we need to raise our voices loud and clear: landlines are lifelines!
Submit opposition comments to the FCC opposing FCC preemption and AT&T withdrawing from Lifeline: submit a text comment (or upload a PDF of your comments). Include proceedings 26-123 and 26-125 on your comments, the dockets for AT&T’s California petitions.
COMMENTS DUE July 7 for 26-123 (ETC and Lifeline)/26-125 (FCC preemption of COLR).
REPLY COMMENTS DUE July 22 (see https://phreaknet.org/action for information)
Explain why “alternatives” are not as reliable for you. “The FCC will authorize discontinuance of service… …unless it is shown that customers would be unable to receive service or a reasonable substitute from another carrier or that public convenience and needs are otherwise adversely affected… Comments should include specific information about the impact of this proposed discontinuance (or reduction or impairment) upon you, or your business, including any inability to acquire reasonable substitute service.”
Sign TURN’s petition OPPOSING these changes.
For additional information:
https://savelandlines.org/
https://phreaknet.org/action
Monterey Bay Matters 