A new bill moving through the California legislature could allow AT&T to phase out traditional copper landline service—a move that’s raising serious questions about emergency preparedness in a state prone to natural disasters.
Contributors Tammy and Chauncey were quick to voice their concerns during a recent discussion, echoing what many Californians are thinking: in the event of a major earthquake, cell towers may go down. Landlines, often more reliable during such crises, could be a literal lifeline. “When that earthquake hits—and it will—you’re going to want that landline,” one panelist warned.
The irony is not lost on residents. While AT&T pushes to eliminate landlines, cable providers like Spectrum still include them in service bundles. “I didn’t want it,” one user said of their bundled landline, “I don’t even know the number. But when the TV rings, I know it’s still working.”
The issue is further complicated by recent 911 outages across the state, where cell networks faltered and emergency services became inaccessible for hours. Critics argue that eliminating landlines without a reliable backup will leave vulnerable populations—especially seniors and rural residents—at risk.
Supporters of the bill cite declining landline usage and high maintenance costs. But for many, this is about more than outdated technology. It’s about public safety, and whether telecom companies should prioritize profit over preparedness.
By: NBC Palm Springs
July 19, 2025
