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Board urges CPUC to require protections before AT&T can relinquish carrier-of-last-resort designation; supervisor recused
Summary
The Board adopted a resolution urging the CPUC to require protections before approving AT&T’s request to relinquish its carrier-of-last-resort and eligible telecommunications carrier designations.
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution on March 19 urging the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to deny AT&T’s request to relinquish its carrier-of-last-resort (COLR) and eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) designations without conditions that protect vulnerable customers.
Background and action: Supervisor Joel Engardio introduced the resolution last week and brought amendments to clarify that the board seeks conditions of approval if the CPUC were to act. During the floor discussion the board adopted Supervisor Chan’s amendment (seconded by Supervisor Mandelman) asking the CPUC to require a published written transition plan from AT&T outlining steps to ensure no customers are left behind and to identify an alternate carrier of last resort or other protections for customers without alternatives.
Recusal and public comment: Supervisor Engardio recused himself from the vote, stating he and his husband own stock in AT&T. Public commenters addressed the item: Leslie Ditaiendier spoke in favor of preserving copper landline service for reliability in emergencies; a Cammie Blackstone from AT&T spoke during general public comment to describe AT&T’s application and to say the company would continue traditional landline service to existing customers until federal and state processes are completed and that the company is working to address remaining customers without alternatives.
Why it matters: relinquishment of COLR/ETC status has implications for customers who rely on traditional copper landline (POTS) service, including some residents with medical devices or with limited internet-based alternatives. The resolution requests the CPUC to require conditions that protect customers during any transition.
What the board decided: the resolution was adopted as amended. The clerk recorded that one supervisor (Engardio) was recused; the board approved the amended resolution. The adopted amendments seek a transition plan, identification of an alternate COLR/ETC, and other protections for customers.
Provenance: the item and supporting public comments are recorded in the March 19 transcript.
