WASHINGTON-A state bill to establish a telecom consumer bill of rights in California is headed to the Senate floor later this week, while Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) made a new appointment to the Public Utilities Commission. Schwarzenegger hopes the appointment will thwart regulations governing carrier marketing, billing and contracts passed by the agency last year over his objections and those of the mobile-phone industry.
On Monday, Schwarzenegger named John Bohn to the CPUC. The governor previously nominated Democrat Dian Grueneich and Republican Steve Poizner to replace the two outgoing Democratic state regulators who were among the majority voting last May for a bill of rights for telecom subscribers. Last month, Poizner, a high-tech entrepreneur who sold SnapTrack Inc. to Qualcomm Inc. for $1 billion in 2000, withdrew his name from consideration for the post after regulated telecom stock holdings he owned created a conflict of interest that ultimately could not be resolved.
“John is uniquely qualified to understand how regulatory structures impact investment decisions. His expertise in this area will be invaluable as California moves forward toward attracting necessary new investment in energy infrastructure and technology,” said Schwarzenegger. “In telecommunications, technology is fast outstripping the old regulatory structure. More than ever, the PUC needs people, like John, who understand the power of technology to reduce prices and improve services, and I am confident he will be an invaluable addition to the commission.”
Bohn, 67, has worked in the finance, energy and public-relations sectors and has a rich public-policy background. He is a Republican.
Bohn could be the deciding vote in CPUC efforts to revise-or possibly overturn-the telecom consumer bill of rights. That effort is spearheaded by Commissioner Susan Kennedy (D), with apparent backing by CPUC President Michael Peevey.
Sen. Martha Escutia (D) introduced her bill of rights measure in April, following a CPUC vote earlier this year to put new telecom consumer protections on hold while the new rule is re-examined. The state Senate Appropriations Committee approved Escutia’s bill last week by a 7-4 vote.
