Robert Osborn, who has served for over 13 years at the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), currently holds the position of Director of Broadband Consumer Programs and Carrier Oversight. Based in Sacramento, Osborn manages three branches within the Communications Division. His responsibilities include overseeing five consumer programs that aim to ensure safe, reliable, and affordable communications services across California. He is also involved in budgeting, human resources, contracts, licensing, and monitoring service quality.
Reflecting on his decision to join the CPUC after two decades in the private telecommunications sector, Osborn said, “I worked in the private sector in telecommunications for two decades and wanted to work for an organization that is helping people and making a lasting difference.”
Osborn values the diversity at the CPUC. He said, “The CPUC is incredibly diverse. I am constantly learning about people’s life experiences, travels, hobbies, and languages they speak in addition to English. I love to learn languages and about other languages and cultures.”
One of the projects Osborn is most proud of is the creation of a new section within the CPUC Communications Division dedicated to assisting the public, local governments, and businesses in navigating broadband grant applications. He explained, “Several years back, we created a new CPUC Communications (?) section and function charged with helping the public, local governments, and businesses navigate the complicated process of applying for broadband grants. They are called ‘caseworkers,’ and they’ve filled a longstanding need to better connect policy and programs to the public.”
Osborn has a background in Chinese Studies and has passed the Foreign Service Language Exam in both Mandarin Chinese and Japanese. He participated in the Japan Exchange Teaching Program and completed graduate studies in San Diego.
Outside of his professional life, Osborn is active in rowing. He practices regularly with the River City Rowing Club in West Sacramento and takes part in the Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston each year.
For those interested in podcasts, Osborn recommends “The Empire podcast with Anita Anand and William Dalrymple.” He noted, “I’ve listened to over 100 episodes. Anita is based in London, and William is in New Delhi. They invite authors to talk about all empires throughout human history.”
