AT&T gets into a legal spat with California over legacy phone network maintenance rules
AT&T has initiated a lawsuit against California regarding the maintenance of its legacy copper phone network. The telecommunications company argues that maintaining this outdated infrastructure is costly and unnecessary, as only a small percentage of households still use copper landlines. This legal battle highlights the tension between state regulations and AT&T's push to transition to more modern communication technologies.
- ▪AT&T claims that only 3% of current households in California still use copper landlines.
- ▪The maintenance cost of the copper network is estimated at approximately $1 billion.
- ▪California is one of 21 states opposing AT&T's retirement of copper landlines, leading to potential legal conflicts.
- ▪AT&T's lawsuit seeks to end state regulations requiring it to offer services as a Carrier of Last Resort.
- ▪The company argues that a shift away from copper could save significant energy and reduce emissions.
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Pro AT&T gets into a legal spat with California over legacy phone network maintenance rules News By Rahim Amir published 30 May 2026 Maintaining copper is now a billion-dollar question in California as a telecommunications giant goes on a legal warpath. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: AT&T) Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter AT&T claims that only 3% of current households in California still use copper landlinesThe communications giant estimates the maintenance cost of such a service at approximately $1 billionCalifornia is one of 21 states…
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