| What schools qualify for the CTF discount and how is the 50% CTF discount calculated? |
Public or nonprofit private schools that provide elementary or secondary education and that have endowments under $50 million. The 50 % CTF discount applies after applying the FCC’s actual E-rate. However, if a school does not have an actual E-rate, the statewide average E-rate discount will first apply prior to applying the CTF discount. Please note that the “statewide average E-rate discount” is used solely for the purpose of calculating the CTF discount. The customer is still responsible for paying the statewide average E-rate discount amount to its service provider. |
| What libraries qualify for the CTF discount and how is the 50% discount calculated? |
Libraries eligible to participate in state-based plans for funds under Title III of the Library Services and Technology Act. The 50 % CTF discount applies after applying the FCC’s actual E-rate. However, if a library does not have an actual E-rate, the statewide average E-rate discount will first apply prior to applying the CTF discount. Please note that the “statewide average E-rate discount” is used solely for the purpose of calculating the CTF discount. The customer is still responsible for paying the statewide average E-rate discount amount to its service provider. |
| What health care institutions qualify for these discounts? |
Hospitals and health clinics that are owned and operated by a municipal, county government, or a hospital district. |
| What other organizations qualify? |
California Telehealth Network (CTN) participants are eligible for CTF discounts. The CTF program will subsidize 50% of the remaining 15% of the CTN-related services, including Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS), not paid for by the FCC’s Rural Health Care Pilot Program.
Any CTN participant that does not meet the current CTF-eligibility criteria will be qualified to receive the CTF discount on CTN-related services only. However, CTN participants that meet the CTF-eligible criteria can individually apply and obtain CPUC approval to receive CTF discounts on CTF-eligible services that are unrelated to the CTN project. |
| What Community Based Organizations qualify for these discounts? |
Community Based Organization must be a tax-exempt organization as described in Section 501 (c)(3) or 501 (d) of the Internal Revenue Code, Title 26 of the United States Code and must also have a Form 990. Second, they must offer health care, job training, job placement, 2-1-1 referral services and information, educational instruction, or a community technology program offering access to and training in the Internet and other technologies. Hospitals and health clinics that are not government-owned and operated may qualify for this program provided all board of directors members are residing within California and meet all the criteria set forth in the CTF Application and Instructions. |
| What Community Colleges qualify for these discounts? |
All California Community Colleges qualify for the discounts. A college needs to submit an application with its current MIS code. |
| What's the discount? What services qualify for the California Teleconnect Fund? |
A 50% discount applies to: All measured business service lines, Switched 56 lines, ISDN, DSL, T-1, DS-3, up to and including OC-192 services, or their functional equivalents, as well as Multi-Protocol Label Switching and Internet access services, with certain exceptions, as defined under the FCC’s website link below, are also eligible for the CTF discount. Please see above for the CTF discount application to schools and libraries. |
| Where is a definition of Internet Access? |
The definition of Internet Access is the same as that used by the FCC.
The definition can be found at: http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-08-265A2.pdf The Internet access service CTF discount applies to the following modalities: (1) landline; and (2) satellite/wireless Internet access, including cellular data plans and laptop cards. As with previous California Teleconnect Fund services, participants who receive these services declares under penalty of perjury that these services will not be sold, resold, transferred or shared with any other non-qualifying entity or person, nor used for purposes other than the intended goals of the California Teleconnect Fund |
| What is the process to apply? |
Complete an application and send it to the CPUC at the address on the form. The application form and guidelines are available under “CTF Application and Instructions” link at: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/Telco/Public+Programs/CTF/index.htm |
| How can I check on my application? |
The Communications Division will notify applicants of their eligibility in writing within 30 – 90 days of receipt of their applications and will post a list of CTF participants by entity type on the PUC web site at:
http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/Telco/Public+Programs/CTF/CTFList.htm |
| What is the effective date of the discount? |
It will be the date the Communications Division receives the application and that date will be shown on the upper right hand corner of the approval letter as “Date Filed,” provided the approved entity contacts its service provider within 30 days of approval letter. If the contact occurs after the 30-day period, the effective date of the CTF discount will be the date of contact. |
| What comes next? |
After receiving a copy of your approval letter and approved application from the Communications Division, contact the service provider of your choice to arrange discounted services. Provide a copy of the approval letter to your service provider |
| If I add new services or change telecommunications carriers do I need to re-apply? |
No, you do not need to re-apply. Just inform your service provider that you want to subscribe to new CTF-eligible services. If you changed your telephone service provider, inform them that (1) you are a CTF participant and (2) you want the CTF discounts to apply to your CTF-eligible services. Make sure to provide your new carrier with a copy of your California Teleconnect Fund approval letter. The effective date of the discount will be the date of contact. |
| Who should I contact for further information on the CTF program? |
Contact the Communications Division at nc2@cpuc.ca.gov or 415-703-1069. |
| Are there other programs for technology or telecommunications discounts? |
Schools and libraries may apply for discounted services through the Federal Communications Commission's E-rate program at: http://www.universalservice.org/sl/ Community Based Organizations may check with two groups: Community Technology Foundation of California at http://www.zerodivide.org and the Community Collaborative Fund at http://www.consumerfdn.org. |
| What is the CPUC Outreach Program? |
The CPUC Outreach Program offers speakers for meetings and will answer general questions about CPUC programs and services. Please contact: Rosalina White: E-mail raw@cpuc.ca.gov or Phone (415) 703-5355 |