On February 6th, Assembly Bill 470 was introduced by Assemblymember McKinnor (D-Inglewood). This measure is intended to make changes to the Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) rules in California. AT&T, sponsor of the legislation, indicates that the bill will be amended to reform COLR obligations in two phases, first ending COLR obligations in areas that are “well-served” by broadband and in areas without customers. It is expected that the bill will be significantly revised before it is heard in the first policy committee in March. Concurrently, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) proceeding reviewing COLR obligations of all providers, continues to move forward.
The RCRC Board of Directors has established an Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on Carrier of Last Resort, to review current COLR obligations and policy options for ensuring residents in vulnerable and rural communities have resilient an accessible telecommunication options. For more information contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, Tracy Rhine or Leigh Kammerich.