Assembly informational hearing lays out CPUC rulemaking after AT&T carrier-of-last-resort application

The California State Assembly Communications Committee convened an informational hearing on carrier-of-last-resort rules (COLR) to review the history of the obligation, AT&T's 2023 application asking for relief in most of its territory, and a CPUC-led rulemaking to revisit how California defines and enforces COLR.

CPUC staff told the committee that COLR is intended to guarantee universal basic service and that California treats COLR as technology-neutral. "Basic service" was described as a package of elements last revised in 2012; CPUC staff listed nine core elements that include voice-grade calling, access to 911, access to relay services for people with disabilities, and Lifeline participation. Anna Maria Johnson, Deputy Executive Director for Broadband and Communications, said COLR gives "a guarantee to all customers in the service territory of a carrier company that they can obtain access to what is called basic service when they request it." Director Rob Osborne summarized the AT&T request: the company sought relief for census blocks with a demonstrated voice alternative (AT&T characterized that as more than 99% of its territory) and an ability to opt out in remaining blocks via an advice letter once alternatives were shown. AT&T proposed continuing service for at least six months following approval and said any…