IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: January 11, 2021
The
California Teleconnect Fund (CTF) Distance Learning Discount has been extended through June 30, 2021 for all current participants. Participating service
providers will automatically apply applicable CTF discounts to the eligible
mobile data connections. No further action is required. Please see COVID-19 Distance Learning Discounts for additional information.
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The California Teleconnect Fund (CTF) was established by Decision (D.) 96-10-066 and is governed by Public Utilities Code Sections 280 and 884. In D.96-10-066, the CPUC reaffirmed its commitment to universal service, and in accordance with state and federal directives, created the CTF program to provide discounted rates to qualifying K-12 schools, libraries, community colleges, government-owned hospitals and health clinics, community-based organizations (CBOs), and healthcare CBOs. Qualified entities receive a 50% discount on eligible advanced telecommunications services through telecommunications carriers participating in the program. The CTF program is funded through a surcharge on all customers that purchase intrastate telecommunications services and has an adopted budget of $128 million for Fiscal Year 2018-2019.
Participant Recertification
The CPUC requires all existing CTF participants to submit a new application to recertify their eligibility every three to five years to continue receiving the CTF discounts. Recertification applies only to existing participants with approved CTF applications. Click here for more information on the program's recertification requirements and process.
Information for Applicants and Participants
K-12 schools, libraries, community colleges,
government-owned hospitals and health clinics, CBOs, healthcare CBOs, and 2-1-1
providers, can apply for the CTF discount by submitting an application.
Approved applicants should present their CTF Approval Letter
to a participating service provider to obtain the discount.
Please refer to the CTF Applicant & Participant Guidebook for additional information, including participant eligibility
criteria, eligible communication services, and application forms and
instructions.
See below for resources for applicants and participants:
· CTF Applicant & Participant Guidebook (with application form)
· List of Participating CTF Service Providers
Information for Carriers
Carriers and service providers can reference the CTF Service Provider Manual for important information on the CTF program. The manual lists the requirements for service providers, including the categories of services that are eligible to receive the CTF discount, instructions on how to apply the CTF discount to customers' bills, and the process for requesting reimbursement from the CPUC.
Recent program rule changes include:
- Resolution T-17666 modifies
the due date and time limit for carriers to submit claims for
reimbursement. Carriers have 60 days from the end of the month to submit
claims for March 2020 and thereafter. Please be advised that because claims
must be filed in chronological order, carriers must submit all claims for
months prior to March 2020 before submitting their claim for March 2020.
- Administrative Letter No.29: A new CTF
Claim Workbook will replace the Claim Form and Reports from
Administrative Letter No.17. beginning with claims for reimbursement for
the July 2020 claim period. Please refer to the CTF Service Provider Manual for the template and instructions.
See below for resources for carriers and service providers:
· CTF Service Provider Manual
· CTF Service Provider Registration Form (Data Request No.001)
· CTF Claim Workbook
· CPUC Communications Utility Contact Update Form
· Department of Finance Payee Data Record Form
· Statewide Average E-rate
· Entity Eligibility Status
· COVID-19 Distance Learning Approved School Districts
Contact Us
For general program inquiries, please direct them to
CTFHelp@cpuc.ca.gov or contact one of the following program representatives by phone:
· Adam Clark (415) 703-5212
· Amy Lau (415) 696-7310
For Application Renewal Process inquiries, please direct them to CTFrecert@cpuc.ca.gov or contact one of the following program representatives by phone:
· Chasel Lee (415) 703-2844
· Joanne Leung (415) 703-1149
For carriers / service providers, please direct your inquiries to CTFClaims@cpuc.ca.gov or contact one of the following program representatives by phone:
· Andrew Aliabadi (415) 703-5184
· Wylen Lai (415) 703-2616
Resources
See below for additional CTF-related resources:
· Decision and Resolutions
· Administrative Letters
· Annual CTF Budget Information
· Administrative Committee
· Map of Active CTF Participants
· Reports and Presentations