CPUC to Hold En Banc to Discuss the Future of California’s Communications Grid
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is hosting an En Banc on the future of California’s communications grid to address how the state’s processes and regulations will need to evolve to stay relevant to Californians.
WHAT: CPUC Communications Division’s En Banc: “A Provider Perspective on the Future of California's Communications Grid”
WHEN: Wednesday, January 22, 2020, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: CPUC Auditorium, 505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA 94102; also available via webcast at www.adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc
See the agenda below.
BACKGROUND
The communications market is changing rapidly. What began as a statewide, copper-based telephone network of franchise monopoly local exchange companies has evolved into a diverse, multi-provider and multi-technology broadband network that relies on copper, fiber optic, wireless, and satellite infrastructure.
This En Banc is the second in a series of stakeholder engagement opportunities envisioned by the CPUC’s Communications Division to address how the state's processes and regulations will need to evolve to stay relevant to Californians. The public is invited to this En Banc to hear providers’ perspectives regarding the state’s communications grid, challenges, and future work relating to network resiliency, reliability, affordability, and consumer protection.
There will be an opportunity for public comments at the En Banc.
While a quorum of Commissioners and/or their staff may attend, no official action will be taken.
For more information, including a final agenda (draft agenda is below), please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov/CDenbanc.
If specialized accommodations are needed to attend, such as non-English language interpreters, please contact the CPUC’s Public Advisor’s Office at public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov or toll free at 866-849-8390 at least three business days in advance of the En Banc.
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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California Public Utilities Commission
Communications Division En Banc
“A Provider Perspective on the Future of California's Communications Grid”
January 22, 2020, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
CPUC Auditorium
505 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102
Webcast: www.adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc
More information: www.cpuc.ca.gov/CDenbanc
Objective: To provide an opportunity for the commissioners to hear from providers on some of the same topics addressed in the May En Banc, where we heard from a wide range of stakeholders who rely on the communications grid.
(DRAFT)
Morning Session
Opening Remarks by Commissioners (10-10:15 a.m.)
Affordability and Access (10:20-11:10 a.m.)
The Affordability and Access panel will focus on the communications needs of low income and disabled populations in the coming years. Closing the broadband adoption gap continues to be a challenge. From the provider perspective, what issues may arise as network speeds increase and devices proliferate, and how will communications services continue to be affordable?
Provider Solutions: Rural and Tribal Growth and Prosperity (11:15 a.m.-12:25 p.m.)
Broadband availability in California is uneven with consumers in urban centers having more choice and faster speeds. The lack of broadband options prevents families and businesses outside California’s major cities from growing and developing. From a provider solutions perspective, what is available, or will be available, to significantly improve broadband access in rural and Tribal areas?
Break for Lunch (12:25-1:30 p.m.)
Afternoon Session
Policy Solutions: Communities Passed Over by Grant Programs (1:30-2:20 p.m.)
From a policy perspective, what will it take to get broadband to communities that aren’t being upgraded through existing state and federal grant programs, either due to lack of business case or lack of grant eligibility?
Next Generation Network Sharing (2:25-3:15 p.m.)
This panel will focus on how providers are working together to minimize the pole loading impact from deploying next generation network infrastructure (ex. fiber optic cabling and radio equipment for 5G microcells, fiber optic and termination equipment overbuilds for 10G cable upgrades.
Closing Comments from Commissioners (3:15-3:30 p.m.)
NOTE: Although a quorum of Commissioners, their Advisors, or other decision-makers may be present, no action will be taken at this event. This En Banc is independent of any CPUC proceeding, and panelists are forbidden from making ex parte comments related to open proceedings during their presentations or discussions.