Making Home Internet More Affordable for Californians
Featured Story
For many Californians, home internet is part of everyday life. It is how students finish homework, how parents communicate with schools, how people apply for jobs, and how families stay connected to health care and loved ones.
But for households on limited incomes, paying for internet each month can be a challenge.
To help address that need, the California Public Utilities Commission approved the California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot, a new program designed to make home internet more affordable for eligible Californians.
What Is the California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot?
The California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot helps lower the monthly cost of home internet service for qualifying households.
Through this pilot:
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Eligible households can receive up to $20 per month off standalone home broadband service.
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Households that bundle broadband with phone service can receive up to $30 per month off their monthly bill.
The discount is applied directly to a customer’s bill through participating internet providers.
This pilot builds on the existing California LifeLine program, which has helped Californians afford phone service for years. It recognizes that reliable home internet is important for daily life.
Who is This Program Meant to Help?
This program assists Californians with limited incomes who qualify for California LifeLine.
Households may be eligible if they:
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Meet income eligibility guidelines, or
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Participate in public assistance programs such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, Supplemental Security Income, or other qualifying programs
The goal is simple, help people afford the basic services they need to stay connected.
What Does This Mean for Everyday Life?
For people who qualify, this pilot can make a real difference at home.
It can mean:
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A student can complete homework and participate in online classes without worrying about losing service.
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Someone can search for jobs, submit applications, and attend virtual interviews.
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A senior can access telehealth visits and manage benefits online.
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Families can stay connected to schools, employers, and important information.
By lowering the cost of internet service, the program helps households keep reliable access without having to choose between staying connected and paying for other necessities.
Why This Pilot Matters
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.
For Californians who qualify, this pilot offers real help with monthly bills. For policymakers, it shows how targeted support can improve lives in a practical and measurable way.
To learn more about the California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot, visit our webpage.
By Taseen Shamim, Public Information Officer