Maryland Commission Approves AT&T and Verizon Service Discontinuations and 911 Upgrades

In a recent administrative meeting held by the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) on August 6, 2025, key discussions centered around telecommunications service changes, environmental surcharges, and electric vehicle (EV) fleet program extensions, reflecting ongoing adjustments in the state's utility landscape.

One of the most significant topics was the approval of numbering waiver applications for telecommunications companies, particularly AT&T. The commission unanimously voted to overturn a previous decision that withheld numbering resources, allowing AT&T to request 3,000 blocks of numbers. This decision is seen as a positive indicator of Maryland's economic health, as it correlates with increased renovations, construction, and new customer acquisitions.

AT&T also announced plans to discontinue its Digital Link and Toll-Free MegaComm services in Maryland, effective October 1, 2025. The decline in traditional access line usage among business customers prompted this move. However, the commission noted that AT&T would continue to offer alternative services, ensuring that business customers would not face a service gap.

In addition to telecommunications, the meeting addressed environmental surcharge adjustments from various utility companies. Delmarva Power and Light, Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), and Potomac Edison all filed revised tariff pages reflecting updated environmental surcharge rates for fiscal year 2026. These adjustments are part of a broader initiative to transition to next-generation services, which aim to enhance efficiency and service quality for customers.

The commission also discussed the extension of commercial EV fleet programs for BGE and PHI utilities, which include Delmarva Power and Potomac Electric Power Company. Both companies requested to continue their existing EV programs until June 30, 2026, or until the launch of proposed Phase 2 programs. The commission supported these extensions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining continuity in EV offerings without incurring additional costs.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the Maryland PSC's proactive approach to adapting utility services in response to changing market demands and technological advancements. As the state continues to navigate these transitions, the commission's decisions are expected to have lasting impacts on both service providers and consumers in Maryland.