In coming months, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold in-person and virtual public forums to receive customer input regarding its Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) Proceeding. The COLR proceeding will consider updates and changes to rules that currently require universal access to essential telecommunication services, e.g. basic telephone service, to any resident or business customer upon request and at affordable prices. COLR rules provide a critical safety net ensuring that consumers in rural areas who may not be served by high-quality alternative services, such as adequate cell phone coverage or high-speed broadband, can retain access to reliable, essential service.
| WHEN | FORMAT | LOCATION |
| April 9, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. |
In-person only | City of Vista (San Diego County) City Council Chambers 200 Civic Center Drive Vista, CA 92084 |
| April 10, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. |
In-person only | City of Walnut (Los Angeles County) City Council Chambers 21201 La Puente Road Walnut, CA 91789 |
| April 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. |
In-person only | City of Bakersfield (Kern County) City Council Chambers 1501 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 |
| April 17, 2025 at 2:00 p.m |
Virtual only |
Remote access via webcast or phone. Telephone number to comment publicly and/or listen: 1-800-857-1917, Passcode: 6032788# Press *1 to comment |
| April 23, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. |
In-person only | City of Roseville (Placer County) City Council Chambers 311 Vernon Street Roseville, CA 95678 |
| April 30, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. |
In-person only | City of Santa Rosa (Sonoma County) City Council Chambers 100 Santa Rosa Avenue Santa Rosa, CA 95404 |
| May 5, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. |
Virtual only |
Remote access via webcast or phone. Telephone number to comment publicly and/or listen: 1-800-857-1917, Passcode: 6032788# Press *1 to comment |
| May 13, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. |
Virtual only |
Remote access via webcast or phone. Telephone number to comment publicly and/or listen: 1-800-857-1917, Passcode: 6032788# Press *1 to comment |
In addition to the public hearings, two upcoming workshops will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, in Lake County and Friday, April 11, 2025, in Los Angeles County. Details and agenda to be announced. Unlike public hearings, workshops will be focused on policy considerations and public comments should be directed to the public hearings.
Written public comments may be submitted here. On a related note, AT&T is sponsoring Assembly Bill 470 (McKinnor), which is expected to phase out its COLR obligations.
For more information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate Tracy Rhine or Policy Advocate Leigh Kammerich.