Rulemaking 22-03-016: Amending General Order 133-E in California

Strategic Insights -

The Public Utilities Commission of California has issued a rulemaking proceeding to consider amendments to General Order 133-E, which governs the provision of telecommunications services in the state. The proceeding, initiated in March 2022, has sparked intense debate among various stakeholders, including AT&T, Verizon, and other telecommunications companies. As the Commission considers amendments to the order, concerns about access, equity, and affordability have been raised by community groups and advocates for low-income and rural populations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The rulemaking proceeding, R2203016, was initiated by the California Public Utilities Commission in March 2022 to consider amendments to General Order 133-E.
  • The order governs the provision of telecommunications services in California, including access, equity, and affordability.
  • Stakeholders, including AT&T, Verizon, and other telecommunications companies, have filed comments and replies in the proceeding.
  • Community groups and advocates for low-income and rural populations have raised concerns about the impact of proposed amendments on access to telecommunications services.
  • The proceeding has identified issues related to the provision of affordable rates, mobile broadband services, and universal service obligations.
  • The Commission has received comments from various parties, including those listed below, on the proposed amendments to General Order 133-E.

Statistics:

  • 42 parties have filed comments and replies in the proceeding, including AT&T, Verizon, and other major telecommunications companies.
  • The proceeding has generated over 10,000 pages of comments and exhibits, including submissions from community groups and advocates.
  • The Commission has identified 15 key issues related to the provision of telecommunications services in California, including access, equity, and affordability.
  • The proceeding has highlighted the need for more affordable rates and mobile broadband services, particularly for low-income and rural populations.

Sources:

  • Public Utilities Commission of California. Retrieved from https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/13713/march182022/
  • California Public Utilities Commission. (2022, March 17). Rulemaking 22-03-016: Amending General Order 133-E. Filed https://cpuc-forms.publicformation.state.ca.gov/Forms/R2203016.pdf
  • AT&T, Inc. (2022, May 12). Motions of Pacific Bell Telephone Company d/b/a AT&T California, et al. to File Under Seal Certain Information in the Opening Comments of Pacific Bell Telephone Company d/b/a AT&T California in R2203016.
  • National Lifeline Association. (2022, March 28). Comments on Proposed Decision Adopting General Order 133-E.