CPUC Adopts Local Assistance Grant Program
Tribes and local governments are key to closing the digital divide, California Public Utilities Commission members said at a livestreamed meeting Thursday. The CPUC voted 5-0 to adopt a plan to set up a $50 million grant program to provide…
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California Advanced Services Fund technical assistance to local agencies and tribal governments (see 2201240019). Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) ordered the assistance program as part of California’s $6 billion broadband law last year. "The importance of local development and local ownership of broadband networks and closing the digital divide cannot be overstated,” said Commissioner Darcie Houck. "This decision will help support the crucial role of public actors to step in and bring this essential service to all Californians. Local networks will also bring much-needed competition to internet service markets." The decision recognizes the “vital role” of localities in expanding services, said CPUC President Alice Reynolds. "My hope is that this grant program will jump-start a new generation of public networks in this state, networks not guided by profit but by providing the highest quality service to their communities.” Wednesday, CPUC Administrative Law Judge Robert Haga denied USTelecom’s motion to become a party in the commission’s inmate calling services proceeding. “The motion does not fully disclose the person or entities making the motion,” and USTelecom failed to state “the factual or legal contentions it intends to make and show that the contentions will be reasonably pertinent to the issues already presented,” Haga wrote in docket R.20-10-002: “USTelecom may seek party status in the future through a motion that complies with our rules.” The association didn’t comment Thursday.