New Bill Requires CPUC to Map Local Broadband Access

Press release from the office of Assemblymember Jim Wood: 

[Stock Photo by Kym Kemp]

Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 2752, legislation authored by Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg) that would require the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to map local level data regarding broadband access, including addresses.

“This new law will ensure that broadband maps reflect the reality of access actually felt by Californians at the household level,” said Wood. “Currently, these maps overstate access to service, especially in rural, low-income and tribal communities. While an overwhelming majority of providers have complied and provided the CPUC with the appropriate level of granular data, some companies that, unfortunately, serve the largest number of customers, are not providing this level of data.”

Broadband maps informed by this granular, address-level data are essential to direct the resources and policy that will bring all of California online. This legislation builds on previous broadband expansion efforts, including AB 41 (Wood), to improve the maps that identify the level of broadband access statewide.

“Unfortunately, some corporate broadband providers have chosen not to build their networks in certain communities even when it’s profitable – but apparently not profitable enough for them,” said Wood. “Well enough of that. We need to know which communities are being snubbed, and this mapping requirement will help us understand that.”

Access to this data will support local, public and private efforts to make targeted investments and supplement ongoing state and federal efforts to build broadband infrastructure.

“California is currently investing billions in a statewide open-access middle fiber network. The transparency and data provided by this new law will allow us to better quantify the magnitude of the digital divide, so we can get people the service they need and deserve,” said Wood.