Bill > AB353

This bill requires every California internet service provider to offer an affordable home internet service plan to eligible households within their service territory, defined as households with at least one resident participating in specific public assistance programs like Supplemental Security Income, CalFresh, or Medi-Cal. The affordable home internet service must provide internet speeds of at least 50 megabits per second downstream and 10 megabits per second upstream, costing no more than $15 per month (excluding taxes). Internet service providers must make commercially reasonable efforts to promote and advertise these affordable plans, including displaying information prominently on their websites and in promotional materials. Starting January 1, 2027, providers must submit annual reports to the Department of Technology detailing their affordable service plans and the number of households purchasing the service. The bill exempts certain providers, such as small independent telephone corporations and providers with fewer than 50,000 subscribers. Notably, the Public Utilities Commission will have no jurisdiction over implementing or enforcing these requirements, which will be exclusively managed by the Department of Technology. The bill's provisions will become inoperative if a federal or state broadband subscription subsidy program for low-income households is implemented that meets specific criteria, including providing a recurring financial benefit of at least $15 per month and supporting internet service plans with consistent minimum speed requirements.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB353