AT&T California Found to be Engaging in Broadband Redlining in 2020 Analysis

Strategic Insights -

A thorough analysis by the Public Advocates Office at the California Public Utilities Commission in 2020 found that AT&T California engages in broadband redlining, leaving low-income households without access to its internet services. The study suggests a strong correlation between low-income households and the absence of AT&T broadband service at 25/3 Mbps in the company's video franchise territory. This analysis identified county-level redlining in 20 out of 54 counties within AT&T's service area, with 85% of households lacking access to the required broadband speed.

Key Takeaways:

  • AT&T California's video franchise territory exhibits a strong correlation between low-income households and lack of access to broadband service at 25/3 Mbps.
  • 20 out of 54 counties in AT&T's service area show evidence of county-level redlining.
  • 85% of households in AT&T's service territory do not have access to the required broadband speed.
  • Low-income households make up a disproportionate share of unserved census blocks, suggesting redlining.
  • The California Public Utilities Commission should conduct a thorough examination to ensure AT&T is not discriminating against low-income households.
  • This analysis replicates a previous Comcast analysis from 2017, finding similar results.

Statistics:

  • 85% of households in AT&T's service territory lack access to broadband service at 25/3 Mbps.
  • 20 out of 54 counties in AT&T's service area show evidence of county-level redlining.
  • The percentage of unserved households which are low-income is much higher than the total percentage of low-income households in the service area.
  • 25/3 Mbps was selected as the broadband speed standard to mirror the Federal Communications Commission's broadband standard.

Sources:

  • Public Advocates Office Attachment A-1 AT&T California - Video Franchise Territory Broadband Redlining Analysis 2020
  • ORA Letter to CD on AT&T DIVCA Renewal Application 2017 (CONFIDENTIAL Attachment A3 or PUBLIC Attachment A5)
  • ORA Letter to CD on Comcast DIVCA Renewal Application 2017 (CONFIDENTIAL Attachment A4 or PUBLIC Attachment A6)