CPUC To Hold Virtual Workshop on Expanding Broadband Access
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold a remote access (virtual) workshop to consult with local governments, broadband providers, consumers, and other stakeholders on cost-effective strategies for expanding broadband access in unserved areas of the state. WHAT: CPUC California Advanced Services Fund Annual Workshop
WHEN: Tuesday, March 30, 2021, 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Remote access via webcast or conference line. Participation information and a draft agenda are below.
BACKGROUND:
Pursuant to Assembly Bill (AB) 1665, the goal of the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) was extended from 2015 to 2022 and revised to provide funding for broadband infrastructure projects that will provide broadband access to no less than 98 percent of California households in each consortia region. The CASF is funded by a surcharge rate on revenues collected by telecommunications carriers from end-users for intrastate telecommunications services. This workshop is a forum for the CPUC, regional consortia, stakeholders, local governments, the federal government, existing facility-based broadband providers, and consumers to collaborate on strategies for expanding broadband access to unserved areas.
PARTICIPATION INFORMATION:
- Live webcast with English and Spanish captions available at: http://www.adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc/workshop/20210330/.
- Participants who choose to participate via webcast only will have audio and video, but will not be able to make verbal comment. If you would like to make comments during the meeting, refer to the phone-in information below.
- After clicking on the meeting link, click the green button below the video for captions. Then select captions by clicking on the white icon next to the word “live” at the bottom of the video.
- It will be recorded and archived for future viewing.
- Phone: Participants can hear the live event and comment during the Public Comment or Q&A portions of the workshop.
- Call-in number: 800-857-1917, passcode: 1767567#
- Participants will be placed on mute in “listen-only” mode until the public comment or Q&A portions of the meeting. Once the public comment portion of the meeting begins, participants may dial *1 (star one) when they wish to speak to be placed in a queue by the operator.
- Remote participants may email questions before, during, or after the workshop to: CASF_Workshop@cpuc.ca.gov.
- Confirmed speakers include: CPUC Commissioner Martha Guzman Aceves, CPUC Commissioner Darcie L. Houck, and special guest, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Acting Chair Jessica Rosenworcel, and two representatives from the California Legislature.
The most updated information related to the workshop will be posted on https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/internetforall/. The meeting will be recorded and posted to the CPUC’s website.
While a quorum of Commissioners and/or their staff may attend, no official action will be taken on this matter.
Documents related to the proceeding are available at: https://apps.cpuc.ca.gov/apex/f?p=401:56:0::NO:RP,57,RIR:P5_PROCEEDING_SELECT:R2008021. Written comments may be submitted at www.cpuc.ca.gov/Docket. Insert proceeding number R2008021 in the “Proceeding Number Search” field and click the “Search” button. Then click on the proceeding number that comes up on the next page and then the “Public Comments” tab. From there you can submit a comment and read the comments of others. Public comments received online are available to the CPUC’s Commissioners and the Administrative Law Judge assigned to the case and can help the CPUC make an informed decision.
If specialized accommodations are needed to attend, such as non-English or sign language interpreters, please contact the CPUC’s Public Advisor’s Office at public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov or toll free at 866-849-8390 three days in advance of the workshop.
To receive electronic updates on CPUC proceedings, sign-up for the CPUC’s free subscription service at http://subscribecpuc.cpuc.ca.gov. The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians’ access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.
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