Supervisor Ray Mueller Requests that San Mateo County Subpoena AT&T Over Decision to End Landline Service Amid Public Safety Concerns, especially on the Coastside

PRESS RELEASE. From San Mateo County Supervisor, District 3, Ray Mueller’s office on February, 26th, 2024.

Redwood City, CA – On Tuesday, February 27th, San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller will be asking the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors to vote to issue a legislative subpoena to AT&T seeking information and testimony related to AT&T’s request to the CPUC to end landline services in his district in San Mateo County in order to assist the County in emergency planning.

Supervisor Mueller’s request is prompted by concerns over the proposal’s impact on public safety for those who live in rural and coastal areas that are out of reach of cellular access and those who have unreliable cellular and internet access, especially during natural hazard emergencies such as wind, rain, and fire events. The subpoena calls on representatives from AT&T to appear before the Board of Supervisors to provide information and testimony pertaining to matters such as AT&T’s knowledge of how many landline customers who currently lack reliable cellular service would lose landline service if AT&T’s application is granted.

“The potential loss of reliable landline service poses an alarming threat to public health, particularly for residents lacking access to reliable alternatives due to financial constraints or geographic limitations,” said Supervisor Ray Mueller. “It is imperative that the Board approves these subpoenas to compel AT&T to disclose vital information regarding the extent of the crisis they are perpetuating. By understanding the scale of the issue and identifying the individuals who will be left isolated and vulnerable, San Mateo County can begin to plan for and implement effective measures to ensure the ongoing health and safety of our residents. Additionally, this information is critical to better understand the public safety impact of AT&T’s request currently before the CPUC.”

This subpoena request comes in the wake of AT&T’s application to the CPUC for relief from its Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) obligations, which required AT&T to provide basic landline service to any customer who requested it in their designated area. If approved by the CPUC, that would mean thousands of Californians will lose their previously guaranteed, reliable method of communication.

The Board of Supervisors will vote on item 37 at their

Tuesday, Feb 27 meeting starting at 9am.

You can watch the meeting live here.

2024 Election

Author: Coastside Buzz

Me