The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has launched the California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot, a program aimed at making home internet service more affordable for residents with limited incomes.
The initiative provides eligible households with discounts on their monthly internet bills. Households can receive up to $20 per month off standalone broadband service, or up to $30 per month if they bundle broadband with phone service. The discount is applied directly through participating internet providers.
According to the CPUC, this pilot builds on the existing California LifeLine program, which has supported affordable phone service for years. The new effort recognizes the growing importance of reliable home internet in daily life for activities such as education, job searching, and healthcare access.
“This program assists Californians with limited incomes who qualify for California LifeLine,” stated the CPUC. “Households may be eligible if they meet income eligibility guidelines or participate in public assistance programs such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, Supplemental Security Income, or other qualifying programs.”
The CPUC emphasized that the goal is to help people afford basic services needed to stay connected. For qualifying individuals and families, these savings could enable students to complete homework online without interruption and allow seniors to access telehealth services.
“The California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot is one way California is working to make sure cost is not a barrier to connection. It helps families stay online, supports community well-being, and strengthens access to opportunities across the state,” said Taseen Shamim, Public Information Officer at CPUC.
More information about eligibility and how to apply can be found on the program’s official webpage.
