But Newsom wanted to convey that he’s intent on maintaining California’s competitive edge. Phones are still going out. The California Protocol Foundation picked up the tab.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has been sending prepaid phones to dozens of tech CEOs in the state in an effort to spark more communication with business leaders.

AT&T enables unlocking of paid-off phones after 60 days for postpaid users and after six months for prepaid users.

Roughly 100 leaders of state-headquartered companies have received a curious package in recent months: a prepaid, inexpensive cell phone (commonly known as a burner, for those of you who haven’t ...