The Division of Ratepayer Advocates Communications Policy Branch is committed to the protection of the California “low-income” and “at-risk” communities. To this end, we serve on the numerous Commission Advisory Boards that provide necessary insight into the operation of the Commission’s Public Purpose Programs.
The California Teleconnect Fund (CTF)
The CTF provides monetary discounts to K-12 schools, libraries, and community-based organizations (CBOs) on selected communications services. The Commission recently expanded the CTF to California Community Colleges and CBOs that provide 2-1-1 informational services. The Commission is currently proposing that the CTF help fund Internet build-out to rural health care providers in California. The Division of Ratepayer Advocates currently has a position on the CTF Advisory Board and will continue to monitor the program as the Commission implements changes.
For more information please contact Alik Lee at 415-703-2050, ayo@cpuc.ca.gov or visit CPUC_CTF. Please also see Cal Telconnect Fund for proceeding information.
Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP)
The DTTP provides free telecommunications devices to the California deaf and disabled community as well as advisory oversight over the California Relay Service (CRS) program. The DTTP is currently testing its first wireless equipment distribution program and has opened a new outreach office in Fresno. The program is now preparing to open an office in San Diego. The Division of Ratepayer Advocates currently has a position on the DTTP advisory board (known as TADDAC) which meets monthly in Oakland.
For more information please contact Alik Lee at 415-703-2050, ayo@cpuc.ca.gov. Please also visit CPUC_DTTP or DTTP_website.
California Lifeline Telephone Program
The California Lifeline Telephone Program, also known as Universal Lifeline Telephone Service (ULTS) provides discounted basic residential telephone services to low-income households. The Division of Ratepayer Advocates participates in the ULTS Trust Administrative Committee (ULTSAC), an advisory board that advises the Commission on the development, implementation, and administration of the ULTS program.
For more information on DRA’s advocacy work for the LifeLine program, please contact Selena Huang at 415-703-5247, xsh@cpuc.ca.gov or visit CPUC_Lifeline. Please also see Lifeline_ULTS.
California Advanced Services Fund (CASF)
In December 2007, the California Public Utilities Commission voted to implement the CASF (D.07-12-054). The fund will use a limited amount of the High Cost Fund B funds to subsidize the building of broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas of California. The CASF provides up to 40% subsidy to qualifying certified applicant phone companies for this purpose. DRA’s role in the CASF is to work towards ensuring that CASF funding is being spent in accordance with its intended goal of providing ubiquitous broadband access in the State of California, with a particular focus on areas less likely to be served absent the subsidy.
For more information please contact Selena Huang at (415) 703-5247, xsh@cpuc.ca.gov, or visit CPUC_CASF. Please also see California_Advanced_Services_Fund.
California High Cost Fund-A
The California High Cost Fund-A is a CPUC program implemented to reduce the cost to consumers of basic telephone service in relatively low-density areas served by 17 small privately-owned phone companies where rates might otherwise be unaffordable for many residents. The Fund is supported by surcharges on ratepayers' bills throughout the state, and has a $65 million budget for Fiscal Year 2008-09. There is also a related funding pool for building telecommunications infrastructure in areas lacking basic service. DRA has worked to make basic telecommunications service affordable throughout the state, while pointing out that sometimes these subsidies provide unintended incentives to subsidy recipients that lead to improper spending and public investment.
For more information please contact contact Robert Lehman at 415-703-2245, leh@cpuc.ca.gov, or visit CPUC_CHCF-A.
California High Cost Fund-B
The CHCF-B Fund, provides subsidies to high cost areas of the state. A proceeding opened to satisfy the requirements for review of the B-Fund program; institute urgently-needed reforms; and respond to concerns of the Legislature, consumer groups, and DRA as to the size of the fund.
For more information please visit CPUC_CHCF-B. Please also see High Cost Fund B.
Public Policy Payphone Program
The CPUC runs programs to inspect public payphones, and to place payphones in critical locations where payphone revenues might not be sufficient to pay for the phone's installation and upkeep. Payphones remain a vital means of communications for Californians and play an important role in public health, safety and welfare. The number of public payphones has declined by more than half in the past five years. DRA has worked to improve payphone access in the state for those people who still rely on them, despite the existing migration from payphones to cell phones.
For more information please contact Robert Lehman at 415-703-2245, leh@cpuc.ca.gov or visit CPUC_Payphones.