A three-year pilot through the California LifeLine program will provide monthly broadband subsidies that participants can use for any qualifying plan. The program is technology-neutral. Subsidies are $20 for broadband, $30 for broadband bundled with voice from the same provider, and up to $39 reimbursement for new connections once per year per household. Minimum standards are 100/20 Mbps and 1,280 GB monthly, with exceptions where 100/20 is infeasible or for qualifying low-cost plans. As of April 2025, nearly 20% of California households earning under $20,000 lack broadband, versus 2.4% of households earning over $75,000. Uncertainty about BEAD funding prompted legislative pushback and a congressional request for federal clarification.
The three-year pilot, which will be run through the California LifeLine program, is technology neutral and allows participants to use the subsidy for any broadband plan that meets the program's standards. The California broadband pilot program subsidy amounts: $20 subsidy for broadband service. $30 for broadband service bundled with a wireline or wireless voice service. Bundles must be offered by the same provider. Reimbursement for new connections, up to $39, once per year per household.
The minimum service standards: 100/20 Mbps with 1,280 GB usage per month. Exception for areas where 100/20 Mbps is not feasible. Exception for low-cost plans. "Broadband is essential for work, school, health, and safety," CPUC President Alice Reynolds said in a press release. "This pilot program will play a key role in achieving the goal of connecting Californians." A CPUC report referenced in the press release about the pilot program said that, as of April 2025, almost 20% of households in California earning less than $20,000 annually do not subscribe to broadband service. That roughly doubles the 2.4% with incomes above $75,000.
Collection
[
|
...
]