Calif. Judiciary Panel Clears Digital Equity Bill

Reject cable opposition to a digital equity bill that would require the California Public Utilities Commission to adopt rules on equal access to broadband, said former California Senate Majority Leader Richard Polanco (D) Tuesday. The Assembly Judiciary Committee advanced AB-2753 to the Appropriations Committee later at the livestreamed hearing. “The cable industry has a place and is a stakeholder,” but “we are facing incredible disproportionate impacts in our local communities,” said Polanco, representing the California Emerging Technology Fund. “The data is very clear that there is a red line” in broadband deployment, he said. California Cable and Telecommunications Association Vice President-Governmental Affairs Bernie Orozco responded, “No one has done more for broadband deployment and adoption than the cable industry.” Polanco’s redlining claims are “upsetting,” he said. “I would love to see the studies that show that there is redlining.” CCTA says AB-2753 could lead to much litigation and duplicates existing FCC and CPUC proceedings (see 2204070028). Incumbent ISP opposition is typical, said committee Chair Mark Stone (D). "The providers cannot sit there and say we're doing everything when in fact they've been for years blocking a lot of these efforts to truly get broadband where it’s needed the most."