Greater urgency needed to advance California’s transition to broadband

OPINION – Nearly three years ago, at a rural elementary school, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation that committed the state to increasing equitable, affordable access to high-speed internet service across California by building a state-owned internet backbone network and local broadband networks.

Since then, hundreds of last-mile broadband project plans have emerged to connect unserved households and businesses with local networks.

Today, however, the state’s plan is facing a surprising setback from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), needlessly frustrating state efforts to move to broadband and close the digital divide.

The CPUC recently announced a proposal that would cause a five-year delay in creating the transition plans and safeguards needed for consumers during California’s transition from legacy copper telephone networks to fiber broadband networks. More than a year into establishing the transition process, the CPUC is stepping away, signaling that it will not move forward.

As a result, billions will be spent paying into antiquated copper networks across the state that are already past their lifespan and used by only a tiny percent of California households. California can’t afford to divert these resources away from building broadband networks.

After more than a year of public meetings and public comment, the CPUC chose the most inopportune time to halt progress: right before explaining to consumers how they would be protected. The guarantees needed for consumers, rural areas, and vulnerable communities to ensure customers have the access they need should be made clear. They involve ensuring access to high-quality service, 911 and emergency services, consumer education, and affordability protections.

This policy change comes at an extraordinarily unfortunate time. The Biden Administration has committed $1.86 billion to California through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program specifically to expand broadband in underserved and high-cost areas. Waiting five years to plan the consumer transition as we deploy these investments is a recipe for leaving consumers behind. Meanwhile, most of California’s competitors elsewhere in the US and globally have no such restrictions and are doing what it takes to transition to broadband. Today California ranks just 19^th in the U.S. for internet coverage, speed, and availability. That’s not leadership.

California needs to keep its eye on the ball. At least 15 percent of California households lack any access to broadband networks. Broadband access isn’t just about streaming your favorite shows, it’s about maintaining the state’s economic competitiveness. It’s about teleconferencing with your doctor; conducting advanced climate research in remote areas of the state; deploying smart agricultural technologies; and ensuring rural Californians have equal opportunity to access online markets and educational and job training tools.

There is a formula for success: protect consumers as alternative options for connectivity are available, free up new broadband funding, and expand internet access in California. The Governor and Legislature are well aware of the types of consumer protections needed to allow California consumers a safe, secure, and orderly transition to broadband.

We urge the CPUC to reject this proposed and misguided delay when it meets on June 20, support consumers during this transition and keep plans to close the digital divide on track. If the CPUC won’t act to keep California moving forward in expanding broadband access we urge the Legislature to intercede.

Jim Wunderman is President and CEO of the Bay Area Council, a regional nonprofit public policy organization.