Ethnic Business Organizations Across California Support AB 470 to Modernize California’s Communications Network and Provide Fast, Affordable Communications for All

For Immediate Release
May 7, 2025
Contact: Molly Weedn
molly@weednpa.com

AB 470 will accelerate investments in advanced communications options while ensuring no Californian or community is left behind

SACRAMENTO, CA – More than a dozen ethnic business organizations, representing tens of thousands of businesses across the state, have joined Californians for a Connected Future (CCF), a broad and diverse coalition dedicated to innovative, reliable, fast, and affordable communications for all. The coalition is urging lawmakers to support Assembly Bill 470 (McKinnor), which will prioritize investments in advanced communications options while ensuring no Californian or community is left behind.  

“As advocates for more than 1.8 million diverse businesses across California, we know firsthand how essential modern communication technology is for businesses to thrive,” said Julian Canete, President & CEO, California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. “Investments in modern infrastructure that benefit Hispanic businesses are investments in the health of our economy. AB 470 is a crucial step in ensuring businesses are equipped with the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital landscape.”  

In California today, 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. Outdated state laws result in massive investments in aging copper landline technology that consumers are increasingly abandoning because it does not meet their needs. These laws hinder investments in more modern communications systems that consumers are demanding because they provide more reliable and innovative options.  

“We are proud to join Californians for a Connected Future and to support AB 470. This important legislation will incentivize investment in the infrastructure needed to support diverse businesses and households across the state,” said Pat Fong Kushida, President & CEO, CalAsian Chamber of Commerce. “At CalAsian Chamber, we are dedicated to growing and strengthening businesses across California, but we cannot do that with the aging, outdated network technology that is 150-years-old. The time to upgrade is now, and the right solution is AB 470.” 

Many manufacturers no longer provide copper parts required to maintain the existing copper network, and it can take weeks to restore service when the system goes down. Modern wireless and high-speed wired services, like fiber and cable, are much more reliable, resilient, faster, and easier to repair.  

“The Black Business Association was founded more than 50 years ago to advocate for and promote the development of Black-owned and underserved businesses by driving impactful policy changes, which is exactly what AB 470 will do,” said  Sarah R. Harris, President & CEO, Black Business Association. “With a more modernized and accessible telecommunications network, California’s Black businesses will be able to have better connectivity and to meet the needs of their customers.” 

CCF is committed to the following principles in promoting the future of connectivity: 

  • No Californian will be left without reliable phone service in their homes – including 9-1-1 services.  
  • A phased, multi-year approach is best for customers and best for California.  
  • Any transition will be a collaborative and transparent process. 

Ethnic business organizations supportive of Californians for a Connected Future include:  

  • California African American Chamber of Commerce 
  • CalAsian Chamber of Commerce 
  • California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce 
  • American Indian Chamber of Commerce of California 
  • Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC) 
  • Black Business Association 
  • Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce 
  • National Asian/Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship (ACE) 
  • National Latina Business Women Association – San Diego 
  • Alameda County Latina Chamber of Commerce 
  • Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 
  • Orange County Black Chamber of Commerce 
  • San Diego County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 
  • San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce 
  • Small Business Diversity Network 
  • Tulare-Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 

The full coalition list can be found, here.

About Californians for a Connected Future  

Californians for a Connected Future (CCF) is a broad and diverse group of organizations dedicated to innovative, reliable, fast and affordable communications for all. CCF supports Assembly Bill 470, which is being developed as part of a comprehensive stakeholder process to prioritize investments in advanced communications options for all, while ensuring no Californian or community is left behind. CCF is a project of USTelecom – The Broadband Association. For more information, visit: www.caconnectedfuture.org 

Sign Up Now: