WASHINGTON, April 13 (UPI) -- The promise to U.S. citizens of a landline phone in every home is hitting a wall of technological advancement, phone company lobbyists say.
"What's happening is being driven by consumer choices. We are already seeing a rapid drop of traditional wireline connections, and that is only going to continue," said David Young, vice president of federal regulatory affairs at Verizon.
The debate has given rise to the repeal of laws in four states -- Florida, North Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin -- that mandated phone companies pour money into landline services for state residents.
Other states, including Ohio, Indiana, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and California, are considering rolling back laws that mandate homes have access to landlines.
"For many, landlines are their lifeline. In rural areas, wireless service can be spotty or expensive and not at all a real option," said Coralette Hannon, a senior lobbyist at AARP, which opposes efforts to repeal phone company obligations.
Data shows telecommunications turning a corner with increasing numbers of consumers relying on wireless phones and the Internet.
Phone companies say consumers have made their choice and will not turn back, making the expense of keeping landlines in working order unnecessary.
That threatens the safety of residents in areas where wireless service is unreliable, others say.
