CWA launches multi-state effort to regulate broadband, close digital divide
CWA launched an ambitious multi-state effort to pass state legislation that would establish public utility commission oversight of broadband in public safety, network resiliency and consumer protection. Legislation has already been introduced in California, Colorado, and New York, and CWA is in active conversations with policymakers in state houses across the country about its model bill, the Broadband Resiliency, Public Safety and Quality Act.
President Biden's recently introduced American Jobs Plan infrastructure package contains $100 billion for broadband with the goal of providing universal broadband coverage and creating good jobs. CWA’s state legislative initiative complements Biden’s plan by ensuring that there will be public oversight over this critical infrastructure deployment.
“President Biden has made a powerful case for recognizing that broadband is a critical part of America’s 21st century infrastructure and for considering its effect on the lives of working people,” said CWA President Chris Shelton. “The past three decades of industry-driven deregulation have failed us. Working people need robust telecommunications services that support good jobs and full access to health care resources, public services and educational opportunities. Instead we have been left with deteriorating telephone networks and a failure to deliver next generation services to rural and low income areas.”
“Telecom industry executives said deregulation was necessary for competition and that competition would magically fix everything,” said Brenda Roberts, Vice President of CWA District 7 which covers the Mountain West, Pacific Northwest and Upper Midwest. “It hasn’t, and the public needs watch dogs we can work with to ensure this essential service is there for our communities today and into the future. Without regulation, the goal of universal broadband service is just a nice dream.”
CWA is a member of the Coloradans for Better Internet Coalition, which also includes Coloradans for the Common Good, Colorado Education Association, AARP, the AFL-CIO, Common Cause, Colorado Children’s Campaign, and others. Last month, the group successfully advocated to restore telecommunications service oversight as part of the reauthorization of Colorado’s Office of Consumer Council.
The coalition is also supporting legislation that would provide for greater internet equity and access for all Coloradans, while pushing for bolder action. Senate Bill 21-60 will provide subsidies to low income and underserved families so they can actually afford to connect to this vital service. House Bill 21-1109 will provide for better mapping from broadband providers to obtain a clearer picture of the gaps in internet access in the state of Colorado.
In California, CWA has endorsed Assembly Bill 1100, which establishes targeted state oversight of how communications providers deal with power outages and disasters and how they rebuild their networks following damage from disasters.
“Just like the pandemic has shown everyone how telecom companies have neglected rural and low income customers, California’s wildfires have shown how the companies have cut corners leaving communications networks vulnerable when they are most needed - when disaster strikes,” said Stan Santos, a member of CWA Local 9408 in Fresno and legislative chair of CWA’s Coastal Valley Council, with 20-years’ experience as an AT&T splicing technician. “Any field technician can tell you that this back-up is not always available nor reliable. Measures deployed after the fact following a disaster, or temporary fixes, are not good enough. For example, technicians physically connecting to cabinets to provide generator backup, or blimps, drones and mobile towers on trucks provide only limited, temporary coverage, not a replacement for real back-up power and connectivity.”
In New York, CWA is spearheading the effort to pass Senate Bill 5117, the New York Broadband Resiliency, Public Safety and Quality Act. The bill would authorize the New York Public Service Commission to exercise oversight, promulgate rules and regulations, and conduct evaluations regarding the resiliency, public safety, and quality of broadband and VoIP service.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused us to rely on internet access more than ever before, from ordering groceries to attending school, work, and doctors appointments online,” said Senator Sean Ryan from New York’s 60th District who is lead sponsor of S.5117. “We need to ensure all New Yorkers have high-quality, affordable access to broadband.”
Links:
CWA members oppose AT&T’s attempts to stop serving rural and low-income communities in California
CWA urges FCC to deny industry attempts to loosen pole attachment standards
CWA District 6 reaches agreement with AT&T Mobility