Sweeping reforms proposed for the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) could possibly include taking away or modifying its oversight over telecommunications and broadband.
A reform package Gov. Jerry Brown and Assemblymember Mike Gatto announced Monday would assess the state's telecommunications governance by 2018, according to the governor's office. An announcement from Gatto put it somewhat differently, saying the moves would "assess reassigning telecommunications governance."
Under its current purview, the utilities commission regulates privately owned companies in telecommunications, electric, natural gas, water, railroad, rail transit and passenger transportation companies.
On its website, CPUC summarizes its wide-ranging activities in telecommunications and broadband: "The CPUC develops and implements policies for the telecommunications industry, including ensuring fair, affordable, universal access to necessary services; developing clear rules of the game and regulatory tools to allow flexibility without compromising due process; removing barriers that prevent a fully competitive market; and reducing or eliminating burdensome regulation."
CPUC administers the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF); the LifeLine program that provides discounted home phone and cellphone services to qualified households; the California Teleconnect Fund that provides discounted services to schools, libraries, hospitals and nonprofit; and three other "Universal Service Programs."
The commission also licenses and registers local carriers and wireless service providers, and is involved in consumer-focused projects, such as mapping the availability of wireless broadband in California.
"The reform initiatives warrant our support, and we remain committed to an outcome that will provide enhanced accountability and transparency, and allow us to concentrate on core regulatory functions that protect Californians," CPUC said in a statement Monday.
Read more about the proposal to reorganize the CPUC here.
