Challenger Says AT&T Calif. Applications Won't Expand Broadband

Golden State Connect Authority challenged many AT&T applications for last-mile support from the California Public Utilities Commission’s federal funding account (FFA). AT&T seeks to upgrade current infrastructure with public funds without expanding broadband service, the authority’s general counsel, Arthur Wylene, said in a letter about a San Luis, California, project that was similar to 49 other letters he sent to the CPUC Monday. “Additionally, in examination of the sheer number of projects proposed by AT&T statewide and commensurate funding requests, the cumulative request by AT&T for all its projects statewide indicates that the applicant will not have the financial, technical, or operational capacity to complete all the proposed projects within the timeframe required by the Last Mile FFA grant program.” Also, Wylene raised concerns with AT&T proposing aerial installations in areas of the state with elevated wildfire risk. The carrier should lose points for not proposing any partnerships with local governments, nonprofits or tribes, he said. In one of the letters, Wylene added that an AT&T project proposed for Nevada County completely overlapped an area where Race Communications received a grant to deploy last-mile fiber. AT&T “submitted applications that align with the CPUC FFA Guidelines, make efficient use of existing infrastructure, and speed deployment of robust broadband service to Californians as quickly and efficiently as possible," said a company spokesperson: The carrier is working with state, local and tribal governments to increase access to affordable broadband across the state.