The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) last week voted to deny AT&T’s request to be released from its duties as Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) in the state.

AT&T is currently the designated COLR across much of California, meaning it's legally obligated to provide its telephone services to anyone who asks.

The COLR designation is designed to make sure telecom firms don't withdraw from areas completely, or leave citizens cut off from accessing phone networks.

At least one telephone company in a specified area is legally required to provide access to a telephone service to anyone in its service territory who requests it.

In March of last year, AT&T requested the CPUC withdraw its COLR status, arguing that locals had options other than its landlines, including VoIP phone services and cellular networks operated by Verizon and T-Mobile, plus its own AT&T mobile network.

However, the CPUC denied that request, noting that AT&T still has an obligation to provide services in COLR areas.

"Despite AT&T’s contention that providers of voice alternatives to landline service — such as VoIP or mobile wireless services — can fill the gap, the CPUC found AT&T did not meet the requirements for COLR withdrawal. Specifically, AT&T failed to demonstrate the availability of replacement providers willing and able to serve as COLR, nor did AT&T prove that alternative providers met the COLR definition," said the CPUC.

According to the regulatory agency, it received more than 5,000 public comments on the matter, while it also held eight public forums to discuss the situation, drawing in more than 5,800 attendees.

"The law and facts of this case are such that AT&T’s Application must be dismissed with prejudice," said CPUC in its decision to dismiss the request. "The Commission’s COLR Rules require the presence of another COLR, either one already in place or one willing to replace AT&T, for the Commission to relieve AT&T of its COLR duties. No other COLR serves AT&T’s service territory and no potential COLR volunteered to replace AT&T. Thus, even if AT&T were to prove all other facts it asserts, its Application still fails to meet this standard."

CPUC added that AT&T's request was based on "flawed and erroneous assertions regarding the law and regulatory policy that slowed down the adjudication of this proceeding."

AT&T can try again in the future to withdraw its service as COLR in the state, but must wait at least one year.