CA AB2797

Allows telephone corporations to cease being carriers of last resort obligations by submitting notice to the Public Utilities Commission identifying census blocks with no population, no basic exchange telephone service customers, or urban areas with 2+ alternative voice service providers offering comparable pricing.

Requires companies to modify and remove their commission tariffs upon submission of the notice and acknowledge they will not discontinue basic exchange telephone service until federal requirements under Section 214 of Title 47 U.S.C. are satisfied.

Mandates telephone corporations provide public benefits commitments including customer education on modern networks, equity plans for disadvantaged communities, notification of alternative voice service options, outreach to public safety officials, digital literacy training, and emergency preparedness education.

Defines "alternative voice service" as retail voice service with public switched telephone network interconnection, 911 emergency access, and backup power compatibility, with pricing no more than 25% higher than current basic exchange service.

Specifies no reimbursement is required under Article XIII B of the California Constitution because costs result from creating a new crime or infraction.