The FCC is moving to clear another path for copper retirement in California. Chairman Brendan Carr is circulating a proposal targeting state rules. These rules could slow federally approved network shutdowns.
The proposal focuses on California’s “carrier of last resort” obligations. These rules require certain carriers to keep basic service available. In practice, AT&T says they delay its copper retirement plans.
The FCC wants to prevent state obligations from blocking approved service discontinuance. The agency said the order would ensure that “state obligations cannot be used in a manner that prevents a provider from effectuating a discontinuance that the Commission has approved.”
This marks another federal push toward newer access networks. Copper lines consume more power and cost more to maintain. Fiber and wireless alternatives can offer better reliability and capacity.
However, the move also raises concerns about state authority. Consumer groups and rural representatives argue California still needs oversight. They worry some users may lose dependable voice access.
AT&T plans to retire copper across parts of California. The company operates 615 wire centers in the state. It has asked to decommission around 360 of them.
Those sites serve about 184,000 customers. AT&T says these areas already have suitable fiber or wireless coverage. The FCC says the process can begin after June 1, 2027.
The operator has started notifying affected customers. It also tied the transition to a larger investment pledge. AT&T committed to pass more than 4 million additional California homes and businesses with fiber.
The company says the shift will not remove essential calling services. “California deserves fast, reliable, future ready technology – and with the right policies in place, we’re delivering it and transitioning away from copper,” an AT&T spokesperson said in statement emailed to Light Reading. “No customer will be left without access to voice or 911 service, and we’re committed to working with our customers every step of the way during this transition. We look forward to the FCC’s decision.”
Still, opponents say the FCC may overstep its authority. The Rural County Representatives of California, Communications Workers of America, and The Utility Reform Network challenged the proposal. They argued the FCC cannot erase California’s core service protections.
“As commenters have made clear, granting AT&T’s petition could prevent the CPUC [California Public Utilities Commission] from ordering AT&T or another carrier to provide service, no matter what technology is used. Such a ruling would be far outside the FCC’s authority,” they said.
The California dispute forms part of a national copper exit plan. AT&T wants to retire most copper infrastructure by 2030. It says only 1% of eligible customers still use legacy copper voice.
Other operators are also moving in this direction. Verizon already has approvals in parts of eight states. It also has pending requests in 18 more states and Washington, D.C.
For network builders, the direction looks familiar. Legacy systems face mounting costs and shrinking usage. Yet regulators must still protect users who depend on basic voice service.
