AT&T wants a break on investing in landlines

A coalition of business groups asked lawmakers Thursday to approve legislation that would ease some requirements that AT&T spend money to maintain its landline network.

Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jon Ridler joined the group to argue the company should be allowed to free some of that money up to further invest in growing technologies like wireless. He pointed to his 83-year-old mother as a suggestion people were moving on from traditional landline phones.

"She got rid of her landline because she didn't see the need for it," Ridler said.

AT&T and business groups are still negotiating legislation as lawmakers wrestle over the state's troubled finances at the Capitol.

They'll face resistance. AARP says people still use the copper-wire landlines because they're still more reliable than other technologies.

While spotty wireless phone service could be a problem if someone needs to dial 911 in a hurry, people know they'll get a dial tone when they pick up a landline, Julie Vahling, AARP associate state director, said.

"People have those lines for a purpose," she said.