CPUC Calls Telecom Providers to Appear at Power Shutoffs Hearing Next Week
The California Public Utilities Commission plans to probe communications provider response to public safety power shutoffs, at a 10 a.m. PST hearing Wednesday in San Francisco. The commission Wednesday directed executives from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, Charter Communications, Comcast,…
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Cox and Frontier Communications to appear. Topics include the providers’ responses to maintain communication service, compliance with CPUC disaster relief rules including to provide supplemental cellular service and device charging stations and Wi-Fi access in refuge centers, and coordination with California’s Office of Emergency Services and Forestry and Fire Protection Department. CPUC President Marybel Batjer wrote communications companies Wednesday, asking them to file by Nov. 18 responses to questions about their performance during the shutoffs. “Based on your performances over the past few weeks, it appears that you are not managing your network infrastructure adequately to maintain vital communications services for Californians during emergencies," said Batjer, urging companies to "step up to address these issues before we experience another devastating wildfire or the unfortunate need for widespread Public Safety Power Shut-offs in California."