As the recent fires across Los Angeles ravaged communities, one thing became undeniably clear: California must do more to protect residents during disasters and emergencies. A major component of this is modernizing the laws that guide how we invest in reliable, innovative, fast and affordable communications infrastructure.
The unfortunate reality is that not all Californians have equitable access to modern, affordable communications technology, especially those who live in historically Black communities. The result is that in times of crisis – whether wildfires, floods, or earthquakes – many Californians are relying on aging, century-old copper landline technology that can’t handle the demands of today or the future. Critical emergency services, like texting 9-1-1 and getting alerts or information after you’re evacuated, aren’t supported by outdated copper networks, limiting the ability of residents and first responders to stay connected.
Despite this, current law results in massive annual investments in obsolete copper landline technology that Californians are increasingly abandoning because it does not meet their needs. In fact, only 5% of households within the service area of the state’s largest landline provider still subscribe to copper-based home phone service – a number that continues to decline. To compound the issue, many manufacturers that once provided the essential copper parts to maintain the system no longer have them in production, causing massive delays in restoring service when systems go down.
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Rather than continue to finance an archaic mode of communication, California must prioritize funding for advanced communications options to ensure every community has access to the telecommunications they need and deserve. Instead of focusing on technologies of the past, we should look ahead to wireless and high-speed wired services, like fiber and cable, which are much more reliable, resilient, faster and easier to restore after a disaster.
That is why I introduced AB 470 this year. This bill has broad support from more than 115 organizations representing Tribal leaders, social justice groups, local business organizations, education advocates, businesses, non-profit organizations and veteran communities because of the modernized technology and increased reliability it will offer to all Californians, no matter who you are or where you live.
AB 470 proposes a thoughtful, phased approach to bringing modern communication technologies to communities across the state, first addressing areas without residents and those where customers have access to at least three alternative providers, including a wireline option. By acknowledging regions that still lack dependable options, AB 470 seeks to modernize our communications network while ensuring no Californian is left behind, especially Black Californians.
As our state grapples with the growing threats of uncontrollable wildfires and other emergencies, we need to ensure that our telecommunications network supports the first responders who rely on mobile broadband to send real-time messages, videos and location data.
Investing in modern technologies will improve decision-making and response times when it matters most. Updating our telecommunications laws and investing in the future will allow for that.
Right now, too many Californians are being left behind without access to reliable, high-speed internet and modern communications capabilities. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, 41% of low-income households still do not have full digital access to both the internet and a device for educational purposes. Among Black households, that figure stands at 29%. These gaps contribute to a widening digital divide that further marginalizes underserved communities. We must do better.
AB 470 will not only modernize California’s communications networks but will strengthen the Black community by accelerating access to high-speed fiber and wireless communication solutions. These investments will support local businesses, health care services, and students with not just fast, but affordable communication options today and tomorrow.
California is home to some of the world’s most innovative technologies – it’s time for our communications infrastructure to evolve to bring everyone into the 21st century.
Assemblymember Tina McKinnor represents the cities and communities of Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, Lawndale, Lenox, Los Angeles, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, Venice, West Athens, Westchester, and Westmont in Los Angeles County.
