California: Tell the Governor to Stand Up for Net Neutrality, Affordability, and Public Safety

California's Governor faces a critical decision following a federal funding agreement that threatens the state's net neutrality, affordability, and public safety protections. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced a $1.4 billion investment to enhance broadband connectivity in California, but with a catch.

The agreement demands that California refrain from enforcing its robust state net neutrality law for 14 years. This is a significant blow for a state that prides itself on having one of the strongest net neutrality laws in the nation, which prohibits ISPs from blocking, throttling, or prioritizing internet services based on payment.

Additionally, the deal would eliminate key affordability protections, such as the state's requirement for Verizon to offer a $20 internet plan to low-income Californians, saving billions over the next decade. The California Public Utilities Commission recently found that the average broadband cost across major urban areas like San Mateo, Oakland, Los Angeles, and San Diego is $51 per month, far exceeding the $30 average paid by consumers nationwide.

More concerning still is the potential impact on public safety. California's net neutrality law ensures reliable service for first responders during emergencies by preventing ISPs from throttling their connections. This was evident during the devastating 2018 California wildfires when Verizon throttled firefighters' internet access.

Eviscerating this law would leave first responders more vulnerable during crises. The bottom line is that accepting this federal funding as-is could prove more expensive for Californians in the long run, and erode the hard-won protections that safeguard access and safety in the state. Governor Newsom must reject this provision before accepting the funds to stand up for net neutrality, affordability, and public safety.