The Utility Reform Network Intervenes in AT&T’s Federal Lawsuit Against the CPUC to Defend Reliable Communications Services for California Ratepayers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oakland, CA - Today, The Utility Reform Network (TURN) has filed a motion to intervene in AT&T’s federal lawsuit against the California Public Utilities Commission and California Attorney General. TURN submitted this filing in partnership with the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), and the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
AT&T’s lawsuit aims to have the federal courts determine that California’s Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) rules do not align with federal policy. If successful, California would be unable to enforce these rules against AT&T or any other designated COLR. Previously, TURN and its coalition partners filed an amicus curiae brief in support of the CPUC and Attorney General and are now seeking party status in the case. We intend to ensure that the interests of all California residents (regardless of zip code) are fully represented in this matter.
The following quote can be attributed to Mark Toney, Executive Director, TURN.
“California’s COLR rules are the cornerstone to ensuring that every California resident is able to access voice services. Without them, the impacts will be felt statewide as providers discontinue services and households are left with unreliable ways to reach emergency services, first responders, family, or friends. Any efforts to reduce these protections should be met with the highest scrutiny and should be dismissed if even one California resident would be cut off from service.“
The following quote can be attributed to Ryan Johnston, Telecommunications Regulatory Attorney, TURN.
“AT&T claims that this suit and the proceedings initiated at the Federal Communications Commission are about network modernization. The stark reality is that AT&T is not interested in performing network upgrades, but increasing its profit margins by refusing to provide service to hard to reach customers. AT&T has yet to show that any of its alternative services are able to maintain the level of reliability that the CPUC requires. This is why the CPUC denied their request to relinquish their COLR obligations and why they turned to the federal courts to have California’s COLR rules struck down. Today’s filing is one of the many steps TURN and our allies are taking to ensure that nobody is left behind.“
