Hillsborough is asking residents to weigh in on the state of their internet and wireless service as the town develops a telecommunications master plan.
The town posted the Broadband Survey 2026 on Wednesday, Aug. 5, according to a town announcement, seeking input on what's working, what isn't and what residents need from their wireless infrastructure and broadband connections. The survey takes about 12 minutes and is available in English, Spanish and simplified Chinese.
Results will feed directly into the master plan, which could guide decisions on whether Hillsborough pursues better or expanded telecom options for its roughly 11,000 residents.
Why now
The survey arrives against a backdrop of long-running connectivity frustrations. In February 2024, the Town Council voted to oppose AT&T's application to the California Public Utilities Commission to drop its landline obligations in town. In its letter, the council noted that residents "already have limited mobile reception in and around Town" and that landlines remain the only reliable link to public safety services, healthcare and alarm systems during the area's frequent power outages.
AT&T's CPUC bid was denied, but the company filed a new request with the Federal Communications Commission in June 2026 to preempt California's carrier-of-last-resort law. The FCC's public comment period closed June 22.
City Manager Doug Davis listed telecommunications and technology enhancement for public safety among the town's active goals at a March 2026 recreation commission meeting. The town also held a Telecommunications Community Meeting in October 2025, posting a recording and presentation slides afterward.
How to participate
Residents can take the survey at hillsborough.net/telecomsurvey. Questions or comments can be directed to [email protected] or 650-375-7400.
No closing date has been announced.
The next Hillsborough Town Council meeting is Monday, Aug. 10, at 6 p.m. at Town Hall, 1600 Floribunda Ave. Whether telecom will appear on that agenda has not been confirmed.
