Letter to California Public Utilities Commission President
February 26, 2024
Alice Busching Reynolds, President
California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
Subject: Opposition to AT&T’s application to the California Public Utilities Commission to discontinue Carrier of Last Resort obligation (Application 23-03-003)
Dear President Reynolds,
I write in opposition to AT&T’s application to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to discontinue its Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) obligation to provide Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS). The negative impacts of this proposed action would disproportionately impact thousands of customers in my district, representing a significant number of rural and disadvantaged communities that rely exclusively on land-line telecommunications service. Additionally, these communities face significant vulnerabilities to experience natural disaster emergencies.
POTS provides essential access to 9-1-1 and public safety emergency alert systems for our most vulnerable residents.
The alternative technologies proposed by AT&T do not provide comparable quality, reliability and affordability. My constituents already have to deal with the realities of wildfires, public safety power shutoffs, lack of broadband and reliable cell phone service access and disproportionate impacts from inflation.
Robust outreach to ensure the voices of the impacted communities is essential. Presently, despite my district facing significant impacts from this proposed action, no public meetings are currently scheduled within a reasonable distance for my constituents to participate in-person. I am requesting that you confirm and publish notices for additional in-person meetings that would be accessible to my constituents prior to proceeding forward in your process to review and act on AT&T’s application.
I urge you to use your influence and voice to protect access to reliable telecommunications services and reject AT&T’s application for relief from COLR obligations. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil, 4th District
CC: Federal Communications Commission