Pilots and Government Partnerships
Background:
Pursuant to California Public Utilities Commission
(Commission) Decision 18-12-019, the California LifeLine Program (Program) is
partnering with government agencies, private corporations, and non-profit
organizations to develop innovative strategies for the California LifeLine
Program. In Decision 18-12-019, the Commission also asked stakeholders to
submit proposals for pilot programs that would achieve at least two of these
possible objectives: 1) to lower barriers for consumers to participate in the
Program; 2) to increase participation in the Program; 3) to encourage
participation by facilities-based service providers; and 4) to provide scalable
solutions. Additionally, all pilot proposals must: a) develop new partnerships
or introduce new technologies and b) emphasize innovative changes to the
California LifeLine Program. In April 2019, in Decision 19-04-021, the Commission approved two
pilots: 1) the Boost Mobile Pilot and 2) the iFoster Pilot. The Commission is
also considering pending and new proposed pilots in the California LifeLine
Program proceeding, which is Order Instituting Rulemaking 11-03-013.
Boost Mobile Pilot:
The California LifeLine Program has partnered with Boost
Mobile (Boost), a facilities-based pre-paid cell phone provider owned by Sprint
Corporation. This partnership is for a limited duration pilot program to give
eligible consumers a monthly $15 discount. This monthly $15 discount will lower
the cost of phone bills. The eligible consumer will receive a promo code to use
towards Boost Mobile’s pre-paid cell phone plans. Consumers should go to www.HelloSavings.org for more
information about this pilot.
Government Partnerships: