Summary of the Report

In its report, "Broadband Services as a Component of Basic Telephone Service,"¹ the Commission found that current conditions do not support including broadband services in basic telephone service. The Commission considered whether expanding the definition of basic service to include broadband was feasible, as defined in the statute, and concluded that it was not, primarily due to the resulting cost to be allocated to all other users, as well as the monthly price lifeline customers would be required to pay. The Commission recognized that low-cost basic telephone service is key to maintaining and increasing access to the Internet for all Californians. Most on-line Californians, regardless of income level, use dial-up services as their means to access the Internet. Basic telephone service is required for this access. Persons that cannot afford basic telephone service are denied this form of access, as well as essential telephone communication. In the report, the Commission concluded that it should maintain its commitment to keeping basic telephone service as affordable as possible, as well as expanding certain subsidy programs to enhance low-cost telephone access to certain groups.