On Tuesday, March 22nd, RCRC submitted comments requesting changes to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) draft decision that would adopt Federal Funding Account rules to deploy last-mile broadband services. Primarily, RCRC advocated to remove barriers to local government applicants consistent with the Legislature’s intent as well as federal rules, in order to ensure local jurisdictions have a fair opportunity to receive grant funding through the program. Specifically, RCRC requested public agencies be exempt from obtaining a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) or Letter-of-Credit in order to apply for funding, and instead allow local government to demonstrate fiscal sustainability and reliability through alternative means. Further, RCRC comments suggested that applicants be allowed to leverage multiple sources of state and federal funding and that the CPUC establish a Public Right of First Refusal process for local governments in priority areas. Municipal broadband should be placed on equal footing as existing internet service providers to deploy robust broadband solutions, especially in low-income and/or underserved communities. The CPUC is expected to consider the Proposed Decision at its April 7th meeting.
RCRC’s comments can be viewed in full here. For more information, please contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, Tracy Rhine.