On Wednesday, RCRC requested formal party status with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on its Rulemaking considering changes to the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF), and filed comments in the proceeding on Thursday. The CASF provides qualified service providers with financial grants to construct the infrastructure necessary to deploy broadband service to unserved and underserved areas. The CPUC requested expedited feedback specifically related to how they should respond to the COVID-19 statewide emergency, such as making hotspots available. Among RCRC’s suggestions were to broaden the eligible uses of Adoption Account monies to allow for the procurement of mobile hotspots for students and teachers in areas that lack access to reliable fixed broadband. RCRC continues to advocate for long-term solutions to resolve broadband connectivity barriers, especially for rural and remote regions that lack the requisite infrastructure for wireless service.
RCRC’s full comments on broadband access during the COVID-19 emergency can be accessed here.