Further Actions

In addition to taking comment on the changes proposed by SB 1712, the Commission also sought comment on the California Teleconnect Fund (CTF), a long-standing Commission program that provides telecommunication rate discounts to schools, libraries, medical clinics, and community-based organizations (CBO). Many CTF recipients successfully offer underserved communities access to the Internet through publicly available computers and Internet connections. The CTF assists schools, libraries, and other sites in offering these programs by reducing the costs of telecommunications services.

Comments from the public and certain parties provided suggestions for expanding the CTF. The report concludes that the disparate levels of discounts-20% for hospitals, 25% for CBOs, and 50% for schools and libraries-may have played a role in the low level of participation by hospitals and CBOs. Therefore, the Commission should modify the CTF rules to allow each group to obtain not only the same discount level, but also to have access to the same types and quantities of services at a discount. In today's decision we direct the Telecommunications Division to prepare a resolution implementing these changes.

In addition to the changes to CTF, the Commission and its staff will continue to monitor and review the expanding role of the Internet in the economic, social, and civic life of Californians. The Commission continues to support efforts to enhance access to this important service.