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Public Advocates Office proposes guardrails for carriers seeking to shed carrier‑of‑last‑resort obligations

California State Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications · March 3, 2026

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Summary

The Public Advocates Office presented a joint proposal with AT&T that would allow carriers to seek relief from carrier‑of‑last‑resort obligations only where multiple high‑quality providers exist, require enforceable fiber buildouts and preserve lifeline service for qualifying customers.

Linda Serrazzella described a joint Public Advocates Office‑AT&T proposal filed in the CPUC’s carrier‑of‑last‑resort proceeding that would create an expedited exit path for incumbents only in areas where there is at least one other high‑quality wired provider. The proposal would preserve lifeline service, require measurable fiber buildouts prioritized for low‑income and disadvantaged communities, and keep those buildout commitments enforceable by the PUC.

Serrazzella said the joint proposal is not a settlement and is intended to supplement the CPUC staff proposal: it would not allow a carrier to seek relief in rural areas that lack choices, and would provide an enforcement mechanism to ensure buildout commitments materialize. The PAO framed the approach as a path to expand fiber while protecting customers who would otherwise lose guaranteed, regulated service.