Frequently Asked Questions About AB 470

Californians for a Connected Future (CCF) is a broad, growing and bipartisan coalition of more than 100 social justice advocates, Tribal and community leaders, veterans, non-profits, ethnic businesses, education, youth services and disability rights champions supporting Assembly Bill 470. The bill will modernize state law to accelerate investments in modern, reliable and affordable communications for all.

Our coalition believes that all Californians deserve reliable, fast and affordable communications options. But outdated state laws result in massive investments in aging copper landline technology that consumers are increasingly abandoning because it does not meet their needs.

Our coalition supports AB 470 because it will encourage investments in advanced communications options while ensuring no Californian or community is left behind. Developed through extensive input from policymakers and stakeholders, AB 470 will move California forward while protecting consumers, preserving access to essential voice services, strengthening public safety and preparing the state for the future.

Current regulations prioritize legacy infrastructure maintenance, hindering investments in more modern communication options that our state should focus on, particularly for rural and underserved communities.

AB 470 promotes a responsible, accelerated shift to modern communications options while simultaneously protecting Californians who rely on copper landline service. For those areas deemed not “well-served,” legacy services will continue to be maintained. Additionally, for customers who qualify to transition but want to keep their landline, AB 470 offers the opportunity to use that grandfather service.

By reforming the state’s Carrier of Last Resort Policy (COLR), AB 470 will ensure critical investments are made to support the consumer needs of today, strengthen public safety, and preserve access to affordable voice services while ensuring that no Californian or community is left behind.

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. Consumers are overwhelmingly choosing to use wireless or internet-based communications services because they are more reliable and versatile.

AB 470 will accelerate investments in newer, more reliable technologies – instead of maintaining an outdated copper network. The bill ensures this transition is conducted gradually, over time, and that no community is left without reliable and affordable home phone service.

Absolutely not. Current copper legacy services will be maintained until new technologies are available and are proven to be equally or more reliable and affordable, preserving access to critical voice services.

Before any changes occur, AB 470 requires the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to determine geographic areas classified as “well-served.” Modernization will only be permitted in areas that are unpopulated and without customers, or designated as “well-served,” meaning:

• At least three alternative voice services are available, including:
  • At least one alternative must be a wireline provider,
  • At least one alternative must participate in the discounted California Lifeline program,
  • All alternatives must be facilities-based (not resellers) and serve 99.9% of the census block.
• In areas not identified as “well-served,” nothing changes, and the law remains in effect. This provision addresses stakeholder input, ensuring different geographic areas transition at a pace reflecting their unique needs.

 

Ultimately, the CPUC will have authority and responsibility to approve based on the criteria set out in AB 470. This provision ensures rigorous regulatory oversight as California transitions to a more modern communications network.

In the unlikely event all providers exit a “well-served” area, leaving no alternatives, AB 470 includes a safety net that requires the prior COLR to return and provide alternative voice service to affected customers. This provision underscores commitments to maintain access to reliable, affordable voice services.

AB 470 contains critical consumer protections, including several opportunities to challenge a provider’s request to amend their COLR status. Any member of the public – including individual customers, local governments and elected officials – can challenge a provider’s application before they submit a request to the CPUC. Customers can also challenge the availability of alternative voice services. All challenges are to be reviewed by an independent third-party, selected by the CPUC, and paid for by the provider seeking to amend their status.

AB 470 also requires a public notice to be published in the amended status area, and customers must receive multiple advance in-language notices and materials. The bill also requires local public workshops, a dedicated website and a toll-free number to help customers understand the transition process and their options.

Additionally, AB 470 provides funding for public education programs, along with other grants and transition assistance programs to ensure a thoughtful, incremental and informed process.

Finally, for customers who qualify for the transition and still want to keep their copper line, AB 470 offers the customer an option to grandfather that service.

First responders rely on the internet and mobile broadband networks to send real-time messages, videos, and location data, improving decision-making and cutting response times. Moreover, when evacuation orders are issued, mobile devices keep residents connected to emergency personnel and life-saving updates while copper landlines become once people leave their homes.

AB 470 was developed through extensive input from public safety officials to ensure network modernization strengthens emergency communications and response. The bill ensures no impact to Land Mobile Radio systems used by first responders, and requires providers to fund public safety agencies’ migration to advanced infrastructure. This includes providing funding to Tribal governments, community-based organizations and local governments to be used on outreach and awareness, with a focus on residents in high-risk areas. To the extent feasible, AB 470 also requires that replacement voice services are compatible with home alarm systems, medical alert devices and point-of-sale terminals.

Maintaining the state’s outdated copper network results in stranded resources that are better prioritized for investments in modern communications technologies. Customers overwhelmingly prefer innovative fiber, wireless and satellite technologies for their reliability and affordability. AB 470 will prepare California for the future.

No. According to the state’s largest copper landline provider, traditional copper home phone service costs an average of more than $70 per month, compared to just $45 per month for modern internet-based and wireless alternatives. Beyond the cost savings, newer technologies offer enhanced functionality, including access to telehealth, texting, video calls, high-speed internet, and more.

As part of the “well-served” test, AB 470 requires at least one of the three alternative services to be comparable in price to traditional Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), and one of the alternative providers must participate in California’s discounted Lifeline program. Under the bill, customers also have the opportunity to challenge these alternatives, and if these criteria are not met, the provider must continue providing basic exchange services. Additionally, AB 470 requires providers offer an affordable broadband plan to eligible customers in each amended status area.

Many older adults already have updated home phone technologies, including options that operate and look like traditional copper landlines. Furthermore, only 5% of California households still subscribe to copper-based home phone service – a number that continues to decline.

The years-long transition process outlined in AB 470 will lead to improved connectivity for older adults. Modern technologies can create meaningful daily life improvements and expand access to services that aren’t available through landlines, like telehealth, meal delivery, and much more.

AB 470’s modernization framework ensures that rural communities retain access to reliable voice service in their homes, including the ability to access critical 9-1-1 services.

In areas that do not meet the “well-served” threshold, existing COLR regulations remain fully intact. Nothing changes, and legacy copper services will continue to be maintained, ensuring these communities maintain access.

By modernizing state law, AB 470 will accelerate investments in high-speed internet, fiber, wireless and other advanced technologies throughout the state, including rural and underserved communities.

No. The existing copper network technology is 150-years-old, and many manufacturers no longer provide parts to maintain the system and repair it when it breaks. Copper is also vulnerable to moisture, corrosion and temperature fluctuations, which can lead to frequent service disruptions.

The copper landline network is also a major target for theft, wreaking havoc in neighborhoods and causing extended outages that take longer to repair. In Vallejo, for example, recent copper theft activity led to schools being shut down and customers being without service for 4 days.

AB 470 will accelerate investments in modernizing California’s communications infrastructure and network, transitioning the state responsibility from aging copper while protecting customers who rely on the technology for voice service.

Old copper networks are energy hogs, while modern fiber technologies use up to 70% less power.¹ Once installed, fiber optic networks are more energy-efficient, require less space, and require less maintenance than copper systems.² AB 470 will accelerate investments toward newer technologies, helping reduce energy waste, cut down on pollution and lower emissions.

¹  AT&T Sustainability Statement, June and August 2024.
²  Ramboll Group, February 2025, “Greener Connections: Understanding the Environmental Impacts of Fiber and Copper Communications Networks.”

AB 470 will position the state for long-term connectivity and workforce readiness goals, including:

• Commitments from providers to expand fiber broadband access, requiring them to install fiber to at least as many homes as they had traditional phone customers when they received amended status.
• Requiring providers to fund labor and workforce development training opportunities to prepare workers for jobs of the future.
• Requiring providers to develop community-based digital literacy programs.

 

AB 470 also legally binds providers to fulfill commitments. If a provider fails to meet any obligation, the CPUC has the authority to force remedy.

By modernizing our communications network, AB 470 will help bridge the digital divide and promote the deployment of more reliable, affordable technologies, ensuring a more connected California.

Yes. Right now, too many Californians are being left behind, relying on outdated infrastructure that doesn’t support the demands of today’s digital world. Current state regulations prioritize legacy infrastructure maintenance, hindering investments in more modern technologies that our state should focus on, particularly for rural and underserved communities. AB 470 will accelerate investments to modernize our communications network, helping bridge the digital divide and uplift communities across California.