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연결 프로그램(ACP)
고속 홈 인터넷 서비스에 최대 월 $30 할인을 받을 수 있습니다.
이제 ACP 자격을 갖춘 모든 사람은 다음 혜택을 받을 수 있습니다.
➢고속 홈 인터넷.
➢ 집에 있는 모든 사람이 동시에 접속할 수 있습니다.
➢두가지 할인: ACP를 통해 받을 수 있는 홈 인터넷, 그리고 라이프라인이 포함된 모바일 요금제에 대한 할인.
➢플랜 비용이 월 $30 이하인 경우에 저가 혹은 무료 홈 인터넷
오늘 신청하세요 |
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저렴한 가격의 새 컴퓨터 및 리퍼브 컴퓨팅 장치에 대한 자세한 내용은 다음 페이지를 참조하십오. : www.internetforallnow.org/devices. |
연방 재정 지원을 받는 ACP(Affordable Connectivity Program)는 자격이 있는 가구에게 고속 홈 인터넷에 대해 최대 월 $30할인을 제공합니다. 저렴한 인터넷 서비스는 월 $10-$30입니다. 따라서 할인이 적용된 후에는 홈 인터넷이 무료일 수 있습니다. 이 혜택은 4~5년 동안 지속될 것으로 예상됩니다. 라이프라인 모바일 혜택을 받고 있는 사람들도 ACP 혜택을 받을 수 있습니다. 자격 대상 소비자가 받을 수 있는 혜택
혜택받는 방법1단계: |
홈 인터넷 할인을 지금 신청하십시오. 홈 인터넷 가격은 다양하지만 할인이 적용된 후 홈 인터넷은 무료일 수 있습니다. 클릭하여 ACP 전단지 다운로드:
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자격은 어떻게 됩니까?ACP(Affordable Connectivity Program) 자격을 얻으려면 귀하의 가구에서 최소한 한 명이 아래에 있는 자격사항 한가지는 갖춰야 합니다.
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지금 준비하세요자격 증명을 위해 제출해야 하는 문서를 보려면 여기를 클릭하십시오 신청하는 곳
또는 또는우편 신청 – 영어 또는 스페인어로 신청서를 출력하십시오(설명은 8개 언어로도 제공됩니다). 신청서를 작성하고 자격 증명용 문서와 함께 다음 주소로 보내십시오. 신청하는 곳ACP(Affordable Connectivity Program)는 Covid-19 전염병으로 인해 취업이나 교육 자원에 접근하는 데 어려움을 겪을 수 있는 일부 주민들을 포함하여 다양한 처지에 있는 주민들을 도울 수 있습니다. 자격 여부를 확인하는 가장 좋은 방법은 오늘 전화하거나 지원하는 것입니다! |
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Programa de Descuentos Para Internet (ACP por sus siglas en inglés)
Hasta $30 de descuento mensual en Internet rápido en el Hogar.
Ahora todos los que califican para ACP pueden:
➢Obtener Internet rápido en el hogar.
➢Conectar a todos en su hogar al mismo tiempo.
➢Obtener 2 descuentos: uno para Internet en el hogar con ACP y otro para un plan móvil con Lifeline.
➢Obtener Internet en el hogar de bajo costo o gratuito si el costo del plan es de $30 o menos al mes.
Solicítela hoy mismo |
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Para obtener información sobre dispositivos de computación nuevos o reacondicionados de bajo costo, visite la página: www.internetforallnow.org/devices. |
El Programa de Descuentos Para Internet (ACP), financiado por el gobierno federal, ofrece un descuento máximo de $30 al mes en Internet en el Hogar de alta velocidad para los hogares que califican. El servicio de Internet asequible varía de $10 a $30 por mes, por lo que después de que se aplique el descuento, Internet en el hogar puede ser gratuito. Los consumidores elegibles pueden recibir:
Pasos para recibir el beneficioPaso 1: Solicite el Programa de Descuentos Para Internet (ACP). Llame o vaya en línea y envíe todos los documentos necesarios. Llame al 866-696-8748 o solicite en línea www.internetforallnow.org/aplicahoy. Haga clic aquí para ver qué documentos debe presentar como prueba de elegibilidad. IMPORTANTE: El nombre en su documento de identificación (ID) debe coincidir con el nombre en la aplicación y el documento que determina su elegibilidad. Si ya tiene una cuenta de Internet, debe coincidir con el nombre de su ID y la aplicación
Una vez que haya enviado la solicitud ACP y haya recibido la aprobación para ACP, utilice la herramienta de búsqueda en www.everyoneon.org/CETF para encontrar proveedores de Internet en su área. Los clientes sin Internet en el Hogar IMPORTANTE: El beneficio máximo de ACP es de $30 al mes y se puede utilizar para cualquier servicio de Internet ofrecido por su proveedor. Clientes que desean cambiar de proveedor de Internet. Utilice la herramienta de búsqueda en www.everyoneon.org/CETF para encontrar un proveedor de Internet que ofrezca descuentos del Programa de Descuentos Para Internet (ACP). IMPORTANTE: Puede cambiar de proveedor de Internet en cualquier momento cuando tenga ACP sin costo. |
Solicite HOY el descuento de Internet en el Hogar. Español/Inglés
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¿Cómo califico?Para calificar para el Programa de Descuentos Para Internet (ACP) al menos una (1) persona en su hogar debe cumplir al menos uno (1) de los criterios que se enumeran a continuación:
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Prepárese ahoraHaga clic aquí para saber qué documentos debe presentar como constancia de elegibilidad. Dónde inscribirse
O Inscríbase por correo postal: Imprima la inscripción en inglés o en español. Complete la inscripción y envíela con la constancia de elegibilidad a la siguiente dirección: Affordable Connectivity Program Support Center Proceso de solicitudEl Programa de Descuentos Para Internet (ACP) puede ayudar a los residentes en una variedad de situaciones, incluyendo algunos residentes que pueden estar experimentando dificultades para encontrar empleo o acceder a recursos educativos debido a la pandemia de Covid-19. ¡La mejor manera de ver si califica es llamar o aplicar hoy!
Proceso de inscripción
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Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
Up to $30 Monthly Discount Off Fast Home Internet Today.
Now everyone who qualifies for ACP can get:
➢Fast Home Internet.
➢Connect Everyone in Your Home at the Same Time.
➢2 Discounts: One for Home Internet with ACP and One for A Mobile Plan with Lifeline.
➢Low-Cost or Free Home Internet if the Plan Cost $30 or less a month.
Apply Today |
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For Information on Low-Cost New and Refurbished Computers Visit: www.internetforallnow.org/devices. |
The federally funded Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offers a maximum $30 a month discount on High-Speed Home Internet for qualifying households. Affordable Internet service varies from $10-$30 a month – so after the discount is applied, Home Internet may be free. Eligible Consumers Can Receive
Steps To Receive Your BenefitStep 1: Important Tip: If you have Lifeline benefits already, you do NOT need to apply for ACP. You qualify automatically, just let the Home Internet Provider of your choice know you have Lifeline now. Call us at 866-696-8748 and we can help you compare your options or call the provider directly. Step 2: Click here to see what documents you need to submit as proof of eligibility. IMPORTANT TIP: The name on your ID document must match the name on the application and the document determining your eligibility. If you already have an Internet account, it must match the name on your ID and the application. Step 3: Customers with Home Internet. Customers Who Want to Change Internet Providers |
Apply TODAY for the Home Internet Discount. Home Internet prices vary but after the discount is applied Home Internet may be free. Click to Download An ACP Flier: |
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How Do I Qualify?To qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) discount, at least one (1) person in your household must meet at least one (1) of the criteria listed below:
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Prepare NowClick here to see what documents you need to submit as proof of eligibility. Where to ApplyOr Apply by Mail – Print an application in English or Spanish (for 8 additional languages use the EBB application). Complete the application and send with proof of eligibility to: Affordable Connectivity Program Support Center Application Process
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) can aid residents in a variety of situations, including some residents who may be experiencing difficulty finding employment or accessing educational resources due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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ACP English | ACP Spanish Español | ACP Chinese 中文 | ACP Korean 한국어
Chương Trình Kết Nối Giá Phải Chăng - Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
Giảm tới $30 Hàng Tháng cho dịch vụ Internet Ở Nhà Nhanh.
Hiện nay, những ai đủ tiêu chuẩn hưởng ACP đều có thể:
➢Có Internet Ở Nhà Nhanh.
➢Mọi Người trong Nhà Kết Nối Cùng Lúc.
➢Hưởng 2 loại Giảm Giá: Một cho Internet Ở Nhà với ACP và Một cho Một 'Chương Trình - Plan' Di Động với Lifeline.
➢Hưởng Internet Ở Nhà Giá-Thấp, hay Miễn Phí nếu lệ phí Một Tháng cho 'Chương Trình - Plan' là $30 hay ít hơn.
Nạp Đơn Ngay Hôm Nay |
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PĐể biết thông tin về các Thiết Bị Máy Tính Mới và Tân Trang Giá Rẻ, hãy Vào Thăm Trang: https://www.internetforallnow.org/devices. |
Chương Trình Kết Nối Giá Phải Chăng - Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) do liên bang tài trợ cống hiến giảm giá tối đa $30 một tháng cho dịch vụ Internet Ở Nhà Vận-Tốc-Nhanh cho những gia đình đủ tiêu chuẩn. Lệ phí dịch vụ Internet giá phải chăng nằm giữa $10 và $30 một tháng–cho nên, sau khi áp dụng giảm giá, có thể là Internet Ở Nhà sẽ miễn phí.
Những Bước Nhận Quyền LợiBước 1:Xem coi quý vị có Đủ Tiêu Chuẩn hưởng Chương Trình Kết Nối Giá Phải Chăng (ACP) hay không. Xem coi gia đình quý vị có nằm vào một trong những trường hợp đủ điều kiện dưới đây hay không. NHẮC NHỞ QUAN TRỌNG: Nếu quý vị đã có sẵn quyền lợi Lifeline, quý vị KHÔNG cần phải nạp đơn xin hưởng ACP. Quý vị tự động đủ tiêu chuẩn, chỉ cần gọi Công Ty Cung Cấp Internet Ở Nhà mà quý vị thích và cho họ biết rằng quý vị hiện đang có Lifeline. Xin gọi cho chúng tôi ở 866-696-8748 và chúng tôi có thể giúp quý vị so sánh các chọn lựa của mình hay trực tiếp gọi cho công ty cung cấp dịch vụ. Nạp đơn xin hưởng Chương Trình Kết Nối Giá Phải Chăng (ACP). Gọi điện thoại hay 'lên mạng - go online' và nạp mọi tài liệu cần thiết. Gọi số 866-696-8748 hay nạp đơn 'trên mạng - online' ở www.internetforallnow.org/viet. 'Nhấp - Click' vào đây để xem phải nạp những tài liệu chứng minh hội đủ tiêu chuẩn nào. NHẮC NHỞ QUAN TRỌNG: Tên trên giấy tờ ID của quý vị phải cùng là một với tên trên đơn xin và trên tài liệu xác định hội đủ tiêu chuẩn của quý vị. Nếu quý vị đã có sẵn một trương mục Internet, tên trên trương mục này phải cùng là một với tên trên giấy tờ ID và đơn xin của quý vị. Bước 3: NHẮC NHỞ QUAN TRỌNG: Nếu quý vị đã có sẵn quyền lợi Lifeline, quý vị KHÔNG cần phải nạp đơn xin hưởng ACP. Quý vị tự động đủ tiêu chuẩn, chỉ cần gọi Công Ty Cung Cấp Internet Ở Nhà mà quý vị thích và cho họ biết rằng quý vị hiện đang có Lifeline. Xin gọi cho chúng tôi ở 866-696-8748 và chúng tôi có thể giúp quý vị so sánh các chọn lựa của mình hay trực tiếp gọi cho công ty cung cấp dịch vụ. Khách hàng có Internet Ở Nhà Khách Hàng Muốn Đổi Công Ty Cung Cấp Internet. Dùng 'công cụ tìm kiếm - search tool' ở www.everyoneon.org/CETF để tìm một Công Ty Cung Cấp Internet có giảm giá cho Chương Trình Kết Nối Giá Phải Chăng (ACP). |
Hãy nạp đơn NGAY HÔM NAY xin hưỏng Giảm Giá Internet Ở Nhà. Có nhiều loại giá dịch vụ Internet Ở Nhà, song sau khi áp dụng giảm giá, có thể là dịch vụ Internet Ở Nhà sẽ miễn phí. 'Nhấp - Click' để 'Tải Xuống - Download' 'Tờ Rơi - Flier' về ACP:
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Thế Nào Mới Đủ Tiêu Chuẩn?Để đủ tiêu chuẩn hưởng Chương Trình Kết Nối Giá Phải Chăng (ACP), ít nhất là một (1) người trong gia đình quý vị phải đáp ứng ít nhất là một (1) trong những tiêu chuẩn liệt kê bên dưới:
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Nạp Đơn Ngay Hôm Nay
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Hoặc
Nạp Đơn qua đường Bưu Điện – In một đơn bằng tiếng Anh hoặc tiếng Tây Ban Nha (phần hướng dẫn cũng có thêm bằng 8 ngôn ngữ). Điền đơn đầy đủ và gửi kèm bằng chứng hội đủ điều kiện đến:
Affordable Connectivity Program Support Center
P.O. BOX 7081
London, KY 40742
Thủ Tục Nạp Đơn
'Chương Trình Kết Nối Giá Phải Chăng - Affordable Connectivity Program' (ACP) có thể trợ giúp cư dân trong nhiều hoàn cảnh khác nhau, bao gồm cả những cư dân gặp phải trở ngại khó khăn trong việc tìm công ăn việc làm hay truy tìm tài liệu giáo dục, vì trận đại dịch Covid-19. Cách tốt nhất để biết mình có đủ tiêu chuẩn hay không là gọi điện thoại hay nạp đơn ngay hôm nay!
Cách Nạp Đơn
1. Trước tiên, điền đầy đủ đơn xin hưởng Chương Trình ACP, với bất kỳ tài liệu hỗ trợ cần phải có nào cho đơn xin.
2. Một khi đã được chấp thuận, liên lạc với một Công Ty Cung Cấp Dịch Vụ Internet có tham dự vào chương trình bằng cách đánh vào 'Mã Số Zip Code' của mình khi vào trang www.everyoneon.org/CETF hay gọi cho một 'Tổ Chức Cộng Đồng California Community Organization', ở Số Miễn Phí 1-866-696-8748.
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Low-Cost New And Refurbished Computers And Devices
Low-Cost New And Refurbished Devices Are Available
See below for the cost of computers/devices, other equipment, tech support and digital literacy classes. Go here for information on how to get $30 a month toward your home Internet service.
Low-cost refurbished computers are available to individuals or groups. Computers for Classrooms was started in 1991 as a volunteer program to refurbish donated computers for schools. The non-profit serves schools, college students, senior citizens, low-income families and non-profits. www.computersforclassrooms.org/computers-for-low-income-families/ |
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Human-I-T is a social enterprise that supports equitable access to opportunity by providing devices, internet access, digital skills training, and tech support for communities left on the wrong side of the digital divide, while at the same time, empowering businesses and organizations to do good by diverting technology from landfills to protect our planet. Computers and Prices www.human-i-t.org |
Through electronic reuse PCs for People provides the opportunity for all low-income individuals and non-profits to benefit from the lifechanging impact of computers and mobile Internet. Computers and Prices www.pcsrefurbished.com/sales/salesHome.aspx |
Tech Exchange connects families with computers, internet access, and the digital skills necessary to improve and enhance their lives. Serving Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, and Santa Clara Counties, Tech Exchange provides free or low-cost devices and tech support to eligible participants. Computers and Prices |
Click To Download Flier:
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CETF 2016 Survey of Local Government Officials
CETF 2016 Survey of Local Government Officials
Finds Broadband Is Highly Connected to Community Well Being and Economic Development
Los Angeles and San Francisco, CA—November 16, 2016—Following on its 2016 Annual Survey on Broadband Adoption in California, the California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) reached out to County, City and School District officials to better understand their views on broadband and found that 77% view high-speed Internet as “very important to the future economic prosperity and quality of life in their jurisdiction.”
Among the 250-plus respondents to the survey, the majority were city officials representing jurisdictions of 10,000-49,999. Sixty percent were elected officials and 50% represented rural communities—areas where the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) estimated per an April 2016 report that only 43% of rural households have access to reliable broadband service.
Other findings in the CETF 2016 Survey of Local Government Officials included:
- 73% report broadband is very important to their jurisdictions’ small and large businesses
- 53% report their low-income residents are not connected at home to broadband
- 63% report broadband is a very important issue to residents
- 57% report that schools are very able to provide computing devices and broadband in classrooms
- 22% report that schools always allow students to take home computing devices to do homework
- 65% report their jurisdiction would benefit greatly from telehealth-telemedicine technology and capabilities
- 78% report broadband availability and speed are neither very high nor very low
- 71% report their jurisdiction is fairly advanced in providing information and services online
- 71% report their jurisdiction uses electronic communications quite often to reach residents
- 55% report their workforce is prepared to use computing and Internet navigation skills to fill available jobs
- 36% report that broadband is very adequate for public safety and emergency responses
“These findings provide further evidence that it is vital the Legislature pass the Internet For All Now Act, which CETF will promote in the next legislative session,” said Sunne Wright McPeak, President and CEO of CETF. “This legislation is essential to replenish the California Advanced Services Fund, the only source of state assistance to close the Digital Divide in California and level the playing field for those excluded from our digital economy.”
Among the individual comments to the survey were:
Timothy Stearns, Mt. Shasta City Council Member (Siskiyou County): “The State should provide matching funds to enable rural California cities to provide to residents, businesses, healthcare providers, schools, libraries and public safety providers Internet speeds comparable to what is available in metropolitan cities throughout this nation.”
Lee Adams, Sierra County Board of Supervisors Member: “Every home in California with electricity should have broadband.”
Judy Morris, Trinity County Board of Supervisors Member: “Please do not let rural California fall further behind in educational, health and economic development opportunities.”
John M. Vasquez, Solano County Board of Supervisors Member: “Broadband is the highway of now and the future, it will not only bind the nation but the world.”
Peter Lacques, Fairfax Town Council Member (Marin County): “We have a huge demand which our jurisdiction can’t fill due to capital costs. We need a regional JPA to acquire and administer a fiber optic network for all our residents:
Jeffrey Collings, Mt. Shasta Mayor (Siskiyou County): “Stop talking about it; actually do something. Low population density towns that have high costs per household to rollout fiber need funds for a ‘down payment’ on our public private partnerships. About 30% from the State with the balance from the City will work. Private companies (ATT, cable, etc.) cannot and will not make this investment, as the breakeven is way too high relative to realistic take rates and prices for services. Do for broadband what government did for electricity; it's a utility subject to public regulation. Get it.”
Alan Peterson, Merced Union High School District Superintendent (Merced County): “We need to provide Internet to all of our students so they can overcome social and geographical boundaries.”
John Huerta, Jr., Greenfield City Council Member (Monterey County): “To Policymakers: Please assist rural communities who do not have access to broadband for economic, educational and service upgrades for our growing communities. “
Benjamin Picard, Sunnyvale School District Superintendent (Santa Clara County): “Broadband is a right and a necessity for an educated and competent electorate.”
About the California Emerging Technology Fund
The mission of CETF is to close the Digital Divide. The overall goal is to reach 98% of all California residences with broadband infrastructure and to achieve 80% home broadband adoption by 2017 (with no region or demographic group less than 70% adoption). CETF is technology neutral: “broadband” is a generic term for high-speed Internet access—wireline and wireless Internet service is faster than a dial-up connection. CETF drives to achieving these goals through public awareness and education, grantmaking to community organizations, and advancing public policy. For more information, please visit www.cetfund.org.
The Growth in 'Underconnected' Californians Should Alarm Us
San Jose Mercury News
By Michelle Quinn | August 1, 2016
At first glance, the latest data on California's digital divide looks like amazingly good news.
A whopping 84 percent of Californians now have access to broadband internet at home, up 9 percentage points since 2014, according to a new Field Poll.
At that rate, the digital divide -- the gulf between the information haves and have nots -- could be wiped out in less than three years.
But most of those gains have come from increased smartphone use. In the past year alone, there's been a near doubling -- from 8 percent to 14 percent -- of state residents now online because of smartphones. Meanwhile, the percentage of Californians connecting to the internet via a laptop or a desktop has remained flat for several years.
"That is the biggest problem," said Mark DiCamillo, director of The Field Poll, which conducted the survey for the California Emerging Technology Fund, a nonprofit focused on broadband deployment and adoption.
Internet for All Now Act
The Internet For All Now Act (AB 1665) was introduced in the California State Legislature on February 17, 2017 by Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia with joint and co-authorship from Assemblymembers Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Chris Holden, Kevin McCarty, David Chiu, Susan Eggman, Kevin Mullin, Anna Caballero, Mike Gipson, Reginald Jones-Sawyer, Jose Medina, Eloise Gómez Reyes, Blanca Rubio, and Jim Wood. AB 1665 authorizes additional collection of funds into the California Advanced Services Fund, to provide high-speed Internet access to all Californians.
The California Emerging Technology Fund is making the following recommendations for AB 1665:
- Authorizing $50 million per year for 10 years for total additional funding of $500 million into CASF.
- Maintaining funding priorities for last-mile, unserved households to achieve the Legislature’s goal of 98% deployment and promise to rural California.
- Recognizing the need for cost-effective, middle-mile with “first right of opportunity” for incumbent broadband providers to help meet the goal.
- Transitioning CASF support to higher speeds (25/3 Mbps) after the 98% goal is met in order to remain competitive and align CASF with FCC new speed goals.
- Ensuring that $100 million is used to help those on the wrong side of the Digital Divide learn how to improve the quality of their lives through training and adoption.
- Allocating $10 million to the California Telehealth Network to leverage more than $21 million from the FCC Healthcare Connect Fund to get Californian’s fair share.
- Ensuring that the most disadvantaged residents living in publicly-subsidized housing will be online and able to participate in the Digital Economy to get out of poverty.
- Providing proven project management tools for the CPUC to enhance efficiency and effectiveness: project management; value engineering; grants management.
The California Emerging Technology Fund's rationale for the bill is as follows.
Social and Economic Justice for Californians in the Digital Age
Today, high-speed Internet (broadband) access is essential for homework, employment applications, job training, health services, and civic activities. Yet 16% of Californians do not have high-speed Internet at home and 14% connect to the Internet only through smartphones. Too many low-income, rural, and disabled Californians are disenfranchised from our Digital Economy because of cost and lack of access. (Source: 2016 Survey on Broadband Adoption in California, Field Research Corporation)
The California Legislature’s goal of 98% broadband deployment in 2017 has not been met for many rural communities. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) reported that only 43% of rural households have access to reliable broadband service. (Source: California Advanced Services 2015 Annual Report)
The California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) was established in 2008 by the Legislature and CPUC to close the Digital Divide. CASF provides: grants and loans for deployment of broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas; grants to regional consortia to advance broadband deployment, access, and adoption; and grants to public housing for access and/or adoption activities. Over the last 9 years, the Legislature has authorized a total of $315M into CASF by collecting a few cents per month on phone bills.
Only the Legislature Can Authorize Collection of More Funds into the California Advanced Services Fund
The Legislature established the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) in 2008, and authorized $315 million to be collected over the past 7 years, from a small fee on phone bills, to support deployment of broadband into unserved and underserved areas to help close the Digital Divide. CASF has funded 57 projects and reached over 300,000 households. Nevertheless, CASF is out of money for infrastructure deployment with 14 pending projects. CASF has funded 54 projects to reach 304,555 HHs at an average CASF subsidy of $461 per HH and total average cost of $1,385 per HH. CASF is clearly cost-effective compared to the FCC Connect America Fund 2 average subsidy in California of $2,550 per HH. CASF is out of money for infrastructure deployment with 14 project applications pending and more in the pipeline. CASF is the only source of support for broadband unless the Legislature enacts a new fee or tax or does a General Fund budget allocation.
Los Angeles: Ground Zero for Closing the Digital Divide
By Martha Escutia
The Los Angeles Region is an amazing epicenter of talent, artistry and innovation. But it also is ground zero for closing the Digital Divide. Fortunately, we have visionary leaders who are behind a triad of opportunities that will result in a huge win for digital equity.
Right now, almost a quarter of Los Angeles residents are stuck on the wrong side of the Digital Divide—not able to fully contribute to our creative vibrancy and economic vitality. According to a California Emerging Technology Fund Field Poll, the Los Angeles Region lags behind the state average for connected residents at home, with 76 percent of households online and 10 percent having only a smart phone to access the Internet. While smart phones are marvelous technologies for mobile access, they are insufficient for students to do their homework, inadequate to help adults acquire workforce skills, and hard to use by people with certain physical disabilities. Further, while the Los Angeles Region is 27 percent of the state’s population, 33 percent of California’s low-income people and students on free-or-reduced lunch reside here.
All of this means that there is a concentration of poverty, which must be tackled with all available strategies and tools—including affordable high-speed Internet service. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and the California Legislature must act now to ensure all residents get connected to “broadband,” as high-speed Internet is called, so that they can participate in the Digital World. This is a 21st-century civil right.
Los Angeles leaders have taken a major role in fighting for digital equity. The Los Angeles City Council unanimously passed a resolution introduced by President Herb Wesson and signed by Mayor Eric Garcetti, calling upon the FCC to adopt an affordable Internet access rate called “Lifeline” and to encourage companies to partner with community organizations, schools, and libraries as “trusted messengers” to get low-income households online. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors under the leadership of Chair Hilda Solis unanimously approved a similar position, followed by a unanimous vote by the Los Angeles Unified School Board at the urging of President Steve Zimmer. Our State Legislators, led by Senate Pro Tempore Kevin de Leon and Assembly Speaker–elect Anthony Rendon, both native Angelenos, have headed up a delegation of officials to underscore the need for all residents—including and especially the most disadvantaged—to be brought into the Digital Age. Los Angeles and California are speaking historically with a united voice and it is time for the FCC to act—the first element in the triad of opportunities.
Until the FCC approves and makes operational an affordable broadband Lifeline program, the CPUC must ensure that affordable broadband is a public benefit secured out of the pending application by Charter Communications to acquire Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks—the second element of the triad. This corporate consolidation will result in the second largest broadband provider in the country; the CPUC must require Charter to step up to contribute to digital equity, as AT&T, Comcast and Frontier have done already.
Finally, major legislation has been introduced in Sacramento called the Internet For All Now Act of 2016, which will provide essential policy and resources to finish closing the Digital Divide in our Golden State. This Act prominently plants the flag for California as a global leader in digital equity. Our Los Angeles State Legislators leaders hold the key to passing this legislation—the third element in the triad.
This is the triad for digital equity being constructed in the Los Angeles Region. The FCC, CPUC, and California Legislature have the power in their hands to ensure all residents get online now to (1) approve Broadband Lifeline, (2) secure a significant public benefit from Charter, and (3) pass the Internet for All Now Act. We must ensure that everyone has the 21st -century civil right to Internet access—because access delayed is access denied.
Martha Escutia represented Los Angeles County in the California State Senate from 1998 until 2006 and served in the California State Assembly from 1992 until 1998; she was chair of the Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications and was the first woman chair of the California Legislative Latino Caucus. Currently, she is vice president of government relations at University of Southern California.
Opportunity for All? Rutgers University Report Finds Lower-Income Families Under-Connected to Digital Economy
CETF News
The first-even national report on digital connectivity of low-income parents with school age children finds that 23% of households with annual incomes under $65,000 do not have home Internet, resulting in educational, economic and civic inequities. The report, “Opportunity for All? Technology and Learning in Lower Income Families” by Rutgers University Professor Vikki Katz and Victoria Rideout, confirms many findings from the June 2015 CETF/The Field Poll study. Katz and Rideout underscore:
“The information and resources available on the Internet are now integral features of daily life for most Americans. Searching for employment and filling out job applications; researching the availability of government services; looking up health information, providers, and insurance options; learning how to fix a home appliance; mapping public transportation routes: these tasks are part and parcel of day-to-day life. Being connected to the Internet has become all the more essential as helpful resources for accomplishing these tasks have migrated online.”
Katz and Rideout’s survey of 1,191 parents also revealed:
Most low- and moderate-income families have some form of Internet connection, but many are under-connected, with mobile-only access and inconsistent connectivity.
-Among families who have home Internet access, half (52%) say their access is too slow, one quarter (26%) say too many people share the same computer, and one fifth (20%) say their Internet has been cut off in the last year due to lack of payment.
-Among families with mobile-only access, three in ten (29%) say they have hit the data limits on their plan in the past year, one-quarter (24%) say they have had their phone service cut off in the past year due to lack of payment, and one fifth (21%) say too many people share the same phone for them to be able to get the time on it that they need.
Families headed by Hispanic immigrants are less connected than other low- and moderate-income families.
-One in ten (10%) immigrant Hispanic families have no Internet access at all, compared with 7% of U.S.-born Hispanics, 5% of Whites and 1% of Blacks.
-Four in ten (41%) Hispanic immigrant parents report mobile-only Internet access, compared with 25% of Blacks, 16% of Whites and 17% of U.S.-born Hispanics below the median income.
The main reason some families do not have home computers or Internet access is because they cannot afford it, but discounted Internet programs are reaching very few.
-Four in 10 parents without a home computer (40%) or home Internet access (42%) say the main reason they do not have these items is because they are too expensive.
-Only 6% of those with incomes below 185% of poverty (a common eligibility level for discounted service) say they have ever signed up for low-cost Internet access through programs specifically for lower-income families.
Katz and Rideout offer the following conclusions:
“Our study makes clear that the primary obstacle preventing greater equity in access and digital
participation—at least among families with school-aged children—is financial. … And currently, only a small proportion of families are benefiting from discounted Internet services designed to get low-income families with school-age children online.
The authors further argue, “[W]e believe that the challenges to connectivity that our study has showcased are solvable. Policymakers can address these issues with well-crafted policies that promote the right incentives and supports for families. … [This] will require innovative partnerships and new commitments aligning government, industry, education, and community leaders—including families themselves.”
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