The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) held a workshop on September 7, 2023, to evaluate potential changes to communications service quality rules. The meeting focused on the challenges faced by rural and tribal communities regarding access to reliable communication services.

The workshop began with a presentation from representatives of the Tribal Digital Village Network, which serves over 500 homes across 17 federally recognized reservations in San Diego County and southern Riverside. They highlighted the importance of redundancy in their services, noting that many of their towers are equipped with backup power sources, including generators and solar systems. This redundancy is crucial, especially given the frequent power outages caused by utility companies during high wind events to prevent fire hazards.

Tiffany Martinez, the clerk of the board and assistant county administrative officer for Modoc County, shared her county's struggles with communication services. She reported that the transition from CDMA to 5G technology has left many residents without service, as Modoc County lacks 5G infrastructure. Additionally, a recent theft of fiber optic cables left the entire county without internet access for two days, severely impacting public safety and access to essential services.

The discussions underscored the need for improved service quality metrics, particularly for traditional landline services (POTS) and wireless communications. Participants emphasized the importance of ensuring that all communities, especially those that are unserved or underserved, receive reliable communication services. The CPUC acknowledged the overlap between broadband and voice services and indicated that further discussions on broadband would occur in a subsequent phase.

Commissioners and panelists expressed concerns about the financial implications of improving service quality. They noted that customers should not bear the burden of costs resulting from past neglect of infrastructure by service providers. The need for a skilled workforce to support service improvements in rural areas was also highlighted as a critical factor for future success.

The workshop concluded with a commitment to consider the insights shared by community representatives and to explore solutions that ensure equitable access to communication services for all Californians. The CPUC plans to continue its work on these issues, with a focus on enhancing service quality and addressing the unique challenges faced by rural and tribal communities.