Bill > AB470

This bill establishes a comprehensive process for telephone corporations to seek relief from their traditional "carrier of last resort" obligations in certain areas, specifically census blocks that are either unpopulated or well-served by multiple communication service providers. The bill requires the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to develop a process by which telephone corporations can request "amended status" in these eligible areas, with strict requirements for public notification, customer challenges, and customer protections. Telephone corporations granted amended status must meet numerous obligations, including: providing continued service to existing customers for at least 12 months, offering comparatively priced alternative voice services, providing discounted broadband plans for low-income households, offering small business technology migration assistance, funding public safety technology upgrades, and supporting digital literacy and workforce development programs. The bill aims to facilitate a responsible transition from legacy copper network infrastructure to advanced fiber optic networks while ensuring that no Californians are left without reliable communication services. Additionally, the bill creates a Public Safety Agency Technology Upgrade Grant Fund and includes provisions to protect workers, such as requiring prevailing wages and job preservation for technicians affected by infrastructure transitions.

Budget and Finance, Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB470