The Senate Appropriations Committee has scheduled a hearing for AB1588: Modernization of LifeLine Service – Broadband.
GET INVOLVED:
READ THE CETF LETTERS OF SUPPORT FOR AB1588 JUNE 26, 2024.
SEND LETTER OF SUPPORT TO THE SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE.
SUBSCRIBE TO CETF LEGISLATIVE ACTION ALERTS
THE PROBLEM:
The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) enrollment was frozen in February 2024 and subsidies ended in May 2024. To date, no action has been taken by Congress to extend ACP. This leaves 5.8 million California Households who were eligible for ACP without an assurance of affordable Internet Service. Almost 3 million households (2,945,281 as of March 1, 2024) of 5.8 million eligible households in California were enrolled in ACP — more families and individuals than in any other state. Yet, another 2.9 million eligible households were not reached by ACP – they were unaware that ACP existed – and remain to be enrolled in an affordable Internet service subscription. And, these 2.9 million households are among the most poor, most digitally-disadvantaged, and most economically-fragile Californians. The 2023 Statewide Digital Equity Survey revealed that “affordability” was the primary reason why low-income households are not connected to the Internet.
The current LifeLine Program has been in existence for more than 4 decades, however, it has only reached about 30% of eligible households or 1.1 million participants. Although a modernization of LifeLine and an expansion to provide low-cost broadband Internet is promising – Legislators must be urged to include provisions such as, goals and accountability for outcomes and investment in promotion and awareness. Without these provisions, how will we know how much will get done and by when? How will eligible households know about the program?
THE SOLUTION: AB1588
This bill expands California LifeLine to broadband Internet services. AB1588 is a major missing piece of State policy required to close the Digital Divide and is essential to achieve Digital Equity in California. It also is a vital backstop and back-up plan to ensure that 5.8 million low-income, digitally-disadvantaged households have access to broadband Internet at home for participation in modern life and today’s economy.
WHY AB1588 MATTERS:
There is an urgency to act now as the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) enrollment was frozen in February and subsidies ended in May. To date, no action has been taken by Congress to extend ACP, which leaves 5.8 million California households who were eligible for ACP without an assurance of affordable Internet service. Pass AB1588 now – access delayed is access denied!
