Supervisors Advocate to Save AT&T Landline Phone Service
At our February 27 meeting, the Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to send a letter to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) urging it to deny AT&T’s request to discontinue copper-based landlines. AT&T wants to upgrade to wireless or fiber technology, but Supervisors fear that could leave thousands in Nevada County without any phone service at all. Since AT&T’s plans were announced last summer, approximately 90 residents have contacted County officials asking to keep landline service. If the CPUC approves AT&T’s request, AT&T could cancel landline service to customers within six months of that decision.
As I said about this issue: AT&T says they commit to our landline customers and that they will not be left without service during the transition period to newer technologies. It will be years in the future that customers in our rural Nevada County will have access to these new technologies, and there is no assurance to being served in the future, including after a natural disaster that damages communications equipment and infrastructure. This could result in life-and-death situations.
The Board of Supervisors encourages the public to make comments about the issue directly to the CPUC. The final comment opportunity will occur March 19, 2024 at 2pm and 6pm.
Remote Access Options for The March 19 Virtual Public Forums at 2pm and 6pm:
The public can also make their voice heard in the proceedings and read the comments of others on the CPUC’s website.
Visit the Nevada County News Flash for direct links to the CPUC.
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