California Lawmaker Defends IP Transition Bill
A bill in the California State Assembly to push telecom customers toward IP services (AB-2395) will keep California at the forefront of technology, said a spokesman for the bill’s sponsor, Assembly Member Evan Low (D). The bill would authorize telcos…
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to discontinue legacy telephone service in 2020, as long as they first educate consumers about the transition. Consumer group The Utility Reform Network slammed the bill Tuesday (see 1603290055) because it said the proposal would authorize AT&T to strand many Californian customers who still rely on the copper network, including people in rural areas, low-income households, seniors and people with disabilities. Low, who represents the Silicon Valley, believes it’s time to push adoption of IP telecom services in California, his spokesman said. “This bill is the nexus in terms of advancing California’s innovation economy.” Other states have passed similar legislation and this is a case of California playing catch-up, he said. The bill includes “backstops” recognizing that IP infrastructure might not be an option for all Californians, he said. Under the bill, customers can petition the state commission to review availability of IP service at their location if a telco gives notice it's discontinuing legacy telephone service. If the commission finds there's no provider, the commission can help the customer find an alternative, or order the withdrawing telco to continue providing voice service to the customer for another 12 months. A committee hearing in the California State Assembly is expected on AB-2395 in April.