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Consumer advocates and CPUC push SB 716, extended lifeline pilots and outreach to replace ACP
Summary
CETF and the CPUC Public Advocates Office told the Assembly committee that adoption has improved to 93% statewide but roughly 500,000 households remain unconnected; they urged using SB 716, extending CPUC pilots, targeted subsidies for the poorest households, and better outreach and data transparency to restore benefits lost with the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Consumer advocates told the California State Assembly that while broadband adoption has risen sharply over the past two decades, persistent affordability and outreach gaps remain and will not be solved solely by market forces.
Sunny McPeak, president and CEO of the California Emerging Technology Fund, said "In 2008, only 55% of all California households were online. Today, it's 93%." She told the committee roughly 500,000 households remain unconnected and that outreach is a central barrier: in 2023 only 23% of eligible households knew about affordable ISP offers. McPeak urged use of SB 716 and…
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