Authors: Daly, Obernolte
Summary: In 2012, the legislature eliminated the authority of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) – thinking that an unregulated market would produce more affordable, widely available broadband. It didn’t happen. Instead, as is most common, the lack of regulation created monopolistic conditions – and expensive, slow internet speeds throughout the state. Corporate providers like AT&T and Comcast would have loved to see such conditions continue, and tried to extend them via passage of AB1366. Internet and technology issues are complicated and, for a time, this complication obscuring these truly damning effects of the bill. Eventually, though, everyday people’s voices won out and the bill was pulled after wide protest.