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AB 470 is AT&T’s latest attempt to eliminate the Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) mandate, the rule that requires AT&T to provide phone service to everyone in its territory. AT&T wants to end this mandate so they can pick and choose which communities they serve. We’re asking that you please call your member of the California State Assembly and tell them to VOTE NO on AB 470!
Background:
- A telecommunications provider designated as a COLR stands ready to provide basic telephone service to all customers that request service within a specific area, and can only stop doing so when another provider takes it on. Telecommunications providers offering basic service are required to provide certain basic service elements such as a voice-grade connection, free access to 911/E911, free access to telephone relay services, etc.
- California’s COLR rules require that at least one telecommunications service provider serve as a COLR and provide basic service to any customer within its designated COLR territory. Currently, every California household is served by a COLR. The CPUC is reviewing the rules that currently require certain telephone companies to provide basic service. This includes looking at what “basic service” means, which companies must offer it, and the process for a company to stop providing this service in a specific area.
AB 470 was supposed to be dead in the Assembly Rules committee, but AT&T has lobbied to move this bill forward in the California Assembly. If the bill passes it will terminate service for many underserved communities and eliminate good union jobs. The Inland Empire is home to many rural communities who need reliable phone service to receive care during emergencies — especially as wildfire season approaches.
Please call your member of the California State Assembly and tell them to VOTE NO on AB 470.
