II. Background

The Commission opened this rulemaking in order to satisfy the requirements of SB 1563. The Commission investigated the issues in this proceeding by soliciting written comments, holding workshops and community meetings, and conducting independent research on a number of issues affecting the deployment of broadband in California. The Commission held a prehearing conference on September 15, 2003 at which parties discussed the scope of issues and the schedule in this proceeding. The Commission also conducted a full panel hearing on February 8, 2005 at which parties and members of the community addressed the draft report in this proceeding, which was released on February 1, 2005.