D.C. Memo: USTelecom Says California Affordability Bill Would Hurt Investment

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CAHIA: A trade group for ISPs big and small issued a statement yesterday opposing a California bill that would impose a 100/20 Mbps speed minimum and cap monthly broadband fees at $15 a month for qualified low-income residents. “Any attempt to regulate rates for broadband would undermine the effective delivery of broadband services and discourage investment in networks, particularly in unserved and underserved areas,” said Mariah Wollweber, Senior Director of Communications at USTelecom, which represents AT&T and Verizon in addition to many smaller ISPs across the country, such as altafiber and Lumos. The bill, called the California Affordable Home Internet Act or CAHIA, was introduced last week by California Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-Encinitas). “Our goal in California should be to connect all communities and we should stay focused on that very important objective,” Wollweber added. USTelecom was among several trade organizations that went to court over New York’s Affordable Broadband Act, which also has a $15 monthly price cap. Upheld by the Second Circuit, the N.Y. ABA was twice rejected by the Supreme Court on appeal and went into effect on Jan. 15, 2025.