Fw: !! LAST CHANCE to submit LANDLINE comments on two FCC dockets as AT&T "wins early approval to end service"
isis...@yahoo.com
📞📞📞Final deadline for dockets 26-123 & 26-125 docket: Tuesday, July 7
Please help protect landlines from reckless Federal Communications Commission action
IINSTRUCTIONS below.
FCC Docket 26-123 refers to an AT&T petition seeking FCC removal of COLR obligations so that AT&T can discontinue copper landline voice services in California. Docket 26-125 refers to AT&T's request that the FCC preempt state regulations that hinder its plan to shut down legacy copper wireline (POTS) services.
😲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... "
😢If preemption of state regulations is FCC authorized, AT&T plans to end landline service to existing customers by July 2027. Some customers have already received notices from AT&T saying this discontinuance of service will take effect pending FCC approval! AT&T warns that NO NEW landines will be provided after July 19—two weeks from now.
🏃🤸Action: TODAY, TOMORROW OR MONDAY 7/7 by 9 pm PT please submit comments to the FCC. Hundreds of comments are needed. INSTRUCTIONS below on how to file.
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. Over a million Californians depend on the reliability, safety and voice quality of landlines because cell service is inadequate in their area or they are unable to tolerate wireless emissions. To date, copper landline connectivity remains the superior technology in homes, businesses, schools, government, etc.
Talking points ideas (or give your own story/circumstances):
- Copper landlines work in emergencies when power is out. They supply their own power.
- Cell phone networks didn't work in CA fire disasters but landlines did.
- Battery back-ups for modems and routers (needed for cable and fiber optic connections) are unreliable and only last for brief periods, 24 hours, when sometimes needed for days and weeks.
- Cell phone connections have cyber security risks.
- Many human bodies are not compatible with wireless technology. People get headaches, ear ringing, vertigo, nerve disruptions, cancers, and more.
- Customers have been paying extra fees in their phone bill for years to maintain copper landlines.
- Landlines are lifelines!
- AT&T claims people are abandoning landlines, but many AT&T service reps are telling customers AT&T no longer services copper and refuses to install landlines anymore. This is in defiance of their obligation.
- Some customers have given up landlines because AT&T was not maintaining them for months and years.
- The alternatives to copper landline that AT&T proposes does not fulfill the bill for available, reliable and affordable, which copper has been doing for decades.
📞No matter what type of phone one prefers, this action is about preserving needed protections and choice.
HOW TO FILE FCC COMMENTS:
- Proceeding(s): Type 26-123, Press 'Enter' on your keyboard, Docket number and name will appear in box below, click on that, which will become highlighted in orange. Then type type 26-125)
- Name of filer: your name.
- Primary contact email: your email address (not required).
- Address:(required) Four-digit ZIP code extension means just the four digits that sometimes follow your ZIP.
- Brief comments: Either type in your comments or paste your previously-prepared comments into the box.
- Press Continue to review screen.
- If okay, Submit your comments.
Print confirmation page for your records if you choose.
NOTE #2) In Baron's article, you read that TURN has joined with Rural County Representatives and CWA in asking a federal appeals court to prevent the FCC from overriding state authorities. You can support this effort by signing and sharing TURN's action petition. Landline Defense Team — TURN Petition-signing is worthwhile, but doesn’t take the place of filing your own comments to FCC dockets. Thank you for taking that FCC action above.