Get The Facts
It’s Time to Move
California Forward
Problem
Outdated state laws result in massive investments to maintain a 150-year-old copper phone network that only 5% (and shrinking) of residents use. These outdated laws are preventing our state from accelerating investments in modern technologies and advancing the connectivity consumers deserve.
Solution
We must update state law to invest in the most reliable, fast and affordable communications technologies for all and make sure no customers are left behind as we make the transition.
All Californians deserve reliable, fast and affordable communications options – no matter who you are, where you live, or why you need to be connected. But outdated state laws result in massive investments in aging copper landline technology that consumers are increasingly abandoning because it does not meet their needs.
Californians for a Connected Future (CCF) is supporting legislation that will modernize state law to incentivize investments in more innovative, reliable, fast and affordable communications for all. Our coalition 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. It’s time to move California forward.
We need to modernize California’s communications network to be:
MORE RELIABLE AND RESILIENT
California’s aging copper network technology is nearly 150-years-old, and many manufacturers no longer provide copper parts, 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 easy to restore.
SAFER
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. Critical emergency services, like texting 9-1-1, aren’t supported by outdated copper networks. And during evacuations, mobile devices and other modern technologies keep residents connected to emergency personnel, loved ones, and life-saving updates. And during these scenarios, communications providers frequently deploy supporting connectivity assets, essentially smaller mobile cell towers, to help maintain or expand services. Meanwhile, copper landlines become useless once people leave their homes. Modernizing the network in California will help ensure no one is left behind.
MORE AFFORDABLE
According to the state’s largest copper landline provider, traditional copper home phone service costs an average of more than $80 per month despite the technology being outdated and less reliable. In contrast, internet-based phone and wireless services range from $30 to $45 per month, offering greater affordability and additional features like texting, video calls, and high-speed internet access.
TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED
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. Copper landline networks provide voice services but little else. Consumers are demanding modern technologies that are faster, and have far greater capabilities like high-speed internet, video conferencing, streaming, gaming, emergency services, and much more.
MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT
The copper network is an energy hog, while modern fiber-based technologies like wireless and fiber use up to 70% less power.1 Fiber networks are more energy-efficient, require less space and need less maintenance compared to copper systems, reducing energy waste, cutting down on pollution and lowering emissions.2
WIDELY AVAILABLE
Right now, too many Californians are being left behind without access to reliable high-speed internet and modern communications capabilities. AB 470 will incentivize investment, helping close the digital divide and ensure more underserved communities can access broadband and wireless.
WE’RE COMMITTED TO REFORM
CCF is committed to the following principles as we promote 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.
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.”