Tribes Across California Support AB 470 to Modernize California’s Communications Network

For Immediate Release
May 20, 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 two dozen Tribes and Tribal associations across California, representing millions of Tribal members, are urging lawmakers to support Assembly Bill 470, a forward-looking and thoughtful approach to modernizing California’s communications network.  

“California’s outdated laws, which have led to massive investments in aging copper technology, are hindering efforts and advancements to build a more modern communications network,” said Stephen W. Cope, Chairman, San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians. “Maintaining aging copper lines – a network that no longer meets the current or future needs of our members – diverts resources away from advancing high-speed fiber and wireless alternatives. AB 470 provides clear guidelines on transitioning California’s communications infrastructure while ensuring that every resident retains access to reliable and affordable telephone services.”  

Many Tribal communities are among the most remote and hard to reach in the state. Expanding access to modern, high-speed connectivity will not only enable Tribal members to stay connected but will also drive economic growth and create a more prosperous future for their communities.

“Tribal nations need reliable, expanded, modern communications networks for our governmental requirements, economic development, public safety, health care and other critical communications services,” said Lynn Valbuena, Chairwoman, Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations. “By modernizing California’s communications infrastructure, AB 470 will further extend and improve access to the high-quality service networks that have the capacity to support our plans for growth and progress in the decades to come.” 

As part of the bill’s commitment to phase in any transition over time and ensure no Californian is left behind in the process, AB 470 includes important provisions for Tribal governments, community-based organizations, and local governments to support outreach and help build awareness about modern communications options.  

“AB 470 will not only bring more high-speed internet to our community, but it will help to bridge the digital divide amongst the Redding Rancheria and open more opportunities for advancement among our members,” said Jack Potter Jr., Chairman, Redding Rancheria. “This bill will provide more access to essential services by updating and modernizing California’s communications network and we are proud to support this effort.” 

Tribal support for AB 470 includes: 

  • California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA)
  • Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations (TASIN)
  • American Indian Chamber of Commerce of California
  • Barona Band of Mission Indians
  • Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians
  • California Indian Nations College
  • California Tribal College
  • California Valley Miwok Tribe
  • Chemehuevi Indian Tribe
  • Enterprise Rancheria
  • Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay Indians
  • Hopland Band of Pomo Indians
  • Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel
  • Jamul Indian Village
  • La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians
  • Mesa Grande Band of Mission Indians
  • Morongo Band of Mission Indians
  • Pala Band of Mission Indians
  • Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians
  • Pinoleville Pomo Nation
  • Redding Rancheria
  • Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians
  • San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians
  • Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians
  • Tejon Indian Tribe
  • Tribal Leadership Council
  • The Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation
  • Walking Shield, Inc.

A full list of coalition members 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

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