The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has announced a new pilot program aimed at expanding broadband access for low-income households in the state. The initiative, called the Home Broadband Pilot, will run for three years and allow eligible residents to use their California LifeLine subsidy on any internet plan that meets certain minimum service standards.
Under the program, qualifying consumers can receive a $20 monthly subsidy for broadband service or $30 if broadband is bundled with wireline or wireless voice service from the same provider. Additionally, households may be reimbursed up to $39 once per year for new internet connections.
To participate, plans must offer at least 100/20 Mbps speeds with a monthly data allowance of 1,280 GB. There are exceptions for areas where these speeds are not feasible and for certain low-cost plans.
A recent CPUC report highlighted ongoing challenges in broadband affordability. Nearly 20 percent of California households earning less than $20,000 annually do not have internet subscriptions, while only 2.4 percent of those with incomes above $75,000 lack such access. This disparity affects opportunities for telework, online education, telehealth services, civic participation, and public safety.
CPUC President Alice Reynolds stated, “Broadband is essential for work, school, health, and safety. This pilot program will play a key role in achieving the goal of connecting Californians.”
California LifeLine has traditionally supported affordable voice services for millions of residents. With this pilot program, the CPUC aims to address the digital divide by extending support to broadband services while maintaining assistance for traditional voice communications.
For more information about the proposal and related resources, visit:
– Docket Card (R.20-02-008): https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/
– California LifeLine: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/
The CPUC oversees utility services across California to protect consumers and ensure safe and reliable infrastructure statewide.
