SB1179: The Get Connected California Act requires the California Department of Technology (CDT) to enter into procurement contracts only with qualified Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that offer affordable Internet service for eligible households. This bill also requires CDT to establish and meet goals to get all low income households connected to the Internet as a pivotal strategy to achieve Digital Equity.
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The Problem:
More than 5.8 million low-income households in California are in need of affordable Internet service to have a lifeline to quality of life, public safety, and a better economic future. Although California outperformed all other states by enrolling almost 3 million households in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), more than 2.8 million remain to be reached. A major challenge to increasing enrollment is the lack of awareness, with a 2023 Statewide Digital Equity Survey finding 65% of eligible households were not even aware. The ACP program could have been better promoted so all eligible households received assistance. Unfortunately, ACP is no longer accepting applications as of February 7 and its future is in limbo without reauthorization by Congress. This makes SB1179 ever-more urgent for the 3 million California households at-risk of being kicked off the Internet, and for the remaining 2.8 million who were yet to be enrolled.
The bedrock question is: Shouldn’t ISPs who are receiving taxpayer or ratepayer funds be required to assist the State in getting all low-income households online so that everyone can participate in daily life as we know it? The challenge is to ensure that ISPs continue to offer affordable Internet subscriptions for low-income households and join with the State in increasing awareness.
The Solution:
SB1179 requires the California Department of Technology (CDT) to enter into procurement contracts only with qualified Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that offer affordable Internet service for eligible households. This bill also requires CDT to establish and meet goals to get all low-income households connected to the Internet as a pivotal strategy to achieve Digital Equity. SB1179 also directs CDT and ISPs to advertise and promote the affordable Internet option including through partnerships with nongovernment organizations and media in multiple languages, both in print and online to ensure awareness of this option in multiple languages and in culture both in print and online to ensure awareness.
Why SB1179 Matters:
SB1179 sets target goals for covering at least 90% of eligible households enrolled in affordable Internet by 2026, and at least 95% by 2029. This is the essential backstop and back-up plan to ensure that all low-income households in California will have affordable home Internet service regardless of what the federal government does. However, if Congress reauthorizes an affordable Internet program, then SB1179 also aligns all efforts for California to get our fair share of federal funds.
