Communications: The Office of Broadband and Digital Equity.

Existing law establishes within the Department of Technology the Office of Broadband and Digital Literacy. The office oversees the acquisition and management of contracts for the development and construction of, and for the maintenance and operation of, a statewide open-access middle-mile broadband network, as defined, to provide an opportunity for last-mile providers, anchor institutions, and tribal entities to connect to, and interconnect with other networks and other appropriate connections to, the broadband network to facilitate high-speed broadband service, as specified. Existing law vests the Public Utilities Commission with regulatory authority over public utilities, including telephone corporations. Existing law requires the commission to develop, implement, and administer the California Advanced Services Fund to encourage deployment of high-quality advanced communications services to all Californians that will promote economic growth, job creation, and the substantial social benefits of advanced information and communications technologies. This bill would establish within state government the Office of Broadband and Digital Equity. This bill would establish the Office of Broadband and Digital Equity Board with members, as specified. The bill would provide the purpose of the office is to serve as a centralized state office for broadband and digital activities within the state. The bill would also specify the office has the powers and authorities to develop and implement policies to promote broadband service and to protect consumers from unfair business practices relating to broadband services.