A CalChamber-supported bill to ensure all Californians have access to reliable, fast and affordable communications options is scheduled to be considered today by an Assembly committee.
AB 470 (McKinnor; D-Inglewood), by accelerating investments in modern technologies, will help close the digital divide. It will ensure that all Californians — especially those in rural, tribal and underserved communities — have access to the reliable, high-speed connectivity they need.
The bill will incentivize investments in more modern high-speed phone and communications systems, including broadband, wireless and satellite, that an increasing number of consumers are choosing.
In a letter to the chair of the Assembly Communications and Conveyance Committee, the large coalition of AB 470 supporters points out that only 5% of households within the service area of the state’s largest landline provider still subscribe to copper-based home telephone service. That number continues to decline, the coalition asserts.
Benefits of Modernized Communications Network
AB 470 will deliver significant public safety, affordability, sustainability, and equity benefits for all Californians, modernizing the state’s communications network to be:
- More reliable and resilient. Modern wireless and high-speed wired services, like fiber and cable, are much more reliable, resilient, faster and easy to restore.
- Safer. First responders rely on the internet and mobile broadband networks to send real-time messages, videos, and location data, improving decision-making and cutting response times. Critical emergency services like texting 9-1-1 aren’t supported by outdated copper networks.
- More affordable. Internet-based phone and wireless services range from $30 to $45 per month. Traditional copper home phone service costs an average of more than $80 per month, according to the state’s largest copper landline provider.
- More energy efficient. Modern fiber-based technologies like wireless and fiber use up to 70% less power than the copper network.
- Technologically advanced. Consumers are demanding modern technologies that are faster, and have far greater capabilities like high-speed internet, video conferencing, streaming, gaming, emergency services, and much more.
Collaborative Process
AB 470 has been developed as part of a collaborative stakeholder process to ensure a balanced, responsible approach that makes sure no residents ever lose home phone service. This inclusive effort balances equity and consumer needs over a phased, multi-year process to protect vulnerable communities and maintain essential services.
Staff Contact: Ben Golombek
