Bill > SB716

This bill establishes a voluntary mechanism for internet service providers to offer broadband internet access as part of California's Lifeline program, which traditionally provided affordable telephone service to low-income households. Under the bill, internet service providers can receive a lifeline subsidy if they offer at least one internet plan with speeds of 100 megabits per second downstream and 20 megabits per second upstream, priced at $30 or less per month. The Public Utilities Commission is required to create this mechanism and is prohibited from requiring subscribers to bundle voice and internet services to receive the subsidy. The bill also ensures that households can only receive one lifeline subsidy, though subscribers may still qualify for federal program subsidies. Internet service providers would not need to obtain a special telecommunications carrier designation to participate, and the commission must prevent inappropriate upselling of internet plans to lifeline subscribers. The bill includes provisions to estimate the potential increase in surcharge rates and requires the commission to report on the program's performance by July 1, 2028. The lifeline broadband program is set to expire on January 1, 2032, reflecting the Legislature's commitment to addressing communication affordability while remaining adaptable to technological changes.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB716