FCC Chair Proposes Preempting California Copper Rules

The FCC move aims to allow AT&T to speed up its transition from legacy copper networks to fiber or wireless technology.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Telecommunications

Isometric editorial illustration showing copper wires transitioning into fiber optic cables, representing telecommunications infrastructure policy. — FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has proposed preempting California state regulations to accelerate the transition from legacy copper telecommunications networks to fiber-optic infrastructure. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should companies be allowed to retire older copper phone networks in favor of fiber or wireless?

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has circulated a proposal to preempt California state regulations that currently restrict the retirement of aging copper-based telecommunications networks. This move follows an AT&T lawsuit challenging state requirements that impede the company from decommissioning infrastructure in favor of modern fiber or wireless alternatives.

Why it matters

The proposal seeks to align state obligations with federal rules, aiming to accelerate the migration of telecommunications infrastructure toward newer technology. By potentially overriding local carrier of last resort rules, the FCC intends to simplify the process for providers like AT&T to retire legacy networks nationwide.

AT&T has filed to decommission 360 wire centers in California, which currently serve 184,000 customers. Only 1% of the company's eligible customer base continues to utilize legacy copper-based voice technology.

The players

Brendan Carr

He is the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission who is pushing to modernize telecommunications standards.

AT&T

This major telecommunications company operates 615 wire centers in California and is leading the shift toward fiber-optic services.

Communications Workers of America

This labor union represents workers in the communications and media industries and opposes the current decommissioning petition.

The Utility Reform Network

This consumer advocacy organization works to protect residents from utility price hikes and service reductions in California.

The details

AT&T is moving to replace copper-based services with IP-based wireless or fiber alternatives, including a POTS replacement known as AT&T Phone-Advanced. While the company has already decommissioned copper services in 500 communities across 18 states, various organizations including The Utility Reform Network have formally opposed these plans in California.

October 22, 2026: Advocacy groups filed a formal opposition to the AT&T petition with the FCC.
June 1, 2027: This is the earliest potential date for AT&T to initiate wire center decommissioning in California.
2030: AT&T plans to complete the decommissioning of the bulk of its copper network.

The Tech Race

This move represents a significant acceleration in the industry-wide transition from antiquated copper-wire networks to high-speed fiber and wireless platforms. It positions major carriers to replace legacy systems that have been the standard since the early 20th century.

Customers currently using legacy copper phone lines may see their services transition to IP-based wireless or fiber alternatives. This shift aims to provide improved network reliability, though it requires users to adopt newer hardware to maintain connectivity.

The takeaway

The move toward fiber and wireless infrastructure reflects a broader push to modernize aging utility systems for the digital age. Readers should anticipate updates to their home connectivity options as the telecom industry moves to retire infrastructure that supports less than 1% of users.