Very heavy statements. "They are working together to screw you."

Actually, they're only going to screw the very narrows subset of rural users who don't have access to competitive wireless or internet options.

If your only choice is Landline or Nothing, then this is a big deal.

If you have cable companies, landline broadband, wifi, and other broadband providers fighting for your service, this is a much less big deal. It's stupid scare mongering.

The only service to be slightly worried about is in emergencies. Your landline phone plugged in to the wall will usually still take a call if there's a power outage since the switching station has backup energy. But that's only if everyone isn't calling at once.