We understand that DSL service is being decommissioned in some parts of Nevada County. We are as frustrated and concerned as you are with this unfortunate news. Your local county government has very little control over this, as telecommunications are not regulated at the county level. In fact, federal law does not allow the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to regulate broadband as we regulate other public utilities (think electricity, water, phones) and does not prevent carriers from decommissioning older networks without replacing them.
We suggest that anyone affected by this change take these steps:
- Search for other telecommunications providers serving your area. See this list for other service providers in Nevada County and share information with your neighbors. A Truckee resident tells us that after her DSL was decommissioned, her household switched to a T-Mobile 5G Gateway.
- Be prepared to receive news about emergencies via radio. Tune in to KVMR (89.5 FM), KNCO (830 AM), or KTKE (101.5 FM) for updates. On Red Flag Warning days, stay connected with neighbors and keep a radio on.
- Collaborate with neighbors to establish a local radio network for emergencies. Some communities are working to close the communications gap by using privately purchased two-way FM radios to communicate as a neighborhood. These radios can be used to quickly pass information about a new fire start in your area. When coupled with a communications plan and a neighborhood watch program these radios can be very effective. This article offers information on setting up such a network in your neighborhood.
- Utilize co-working spaces and public computer facilities. There are at least two co-working establishments in Nevada City and Grass Valley (Sierra Commons and The Workspace). Additionally, public computers are available for free at all Nevada County Library locations. Computer use is limited to two, one-hour sessions per day. Chromebooks and Macbooks are available for in-library use for two-hour time blocks; patrons must have a library card or photo identification. The libraries also offer free WiFi (to use with your own device) with no time limit.
- If you are losing your phone service and alternative service is not available, contact the FCC and the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) immediately. File comments with the FCC here and file a complaint with the CPUC here. (This applies to a wireline phone service – a.k.a., plain old telephone service or POTS.)
For those of you in this frustrating situation, help us better understand exactly which areas are losing DSL service by filling out this excellent survey set up by YubaNet.
Meanwhile, Nevada County leaders will continue to work to expand broadband access across Nevada County. Visit our broadband webpage for more information on what we have done and are currently doing in this area.
