California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot Program
What is the “California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot Program”?
CalTel is participating in the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot Program, a 3-year pilot program that helps eligible households lower the monthly cost of internet (and phone, if bundled).
If you qualify, you may receive:
- Up to $20/month off a standalone fixed broadband plan
- Up to $30/month off fixed broadband + voice (phone) service ($20 toward broadband + $10 toward voice)
We’re here to make it simple. If you have questions, our local team is ready to help.
A standalone broadband plan does not include voice service for making 911 calls. Customers may be de-enrolled from the program due to non-usage. Only one service is allowed per household, except for TTY users who may receive a discount on a second phone line.
How the Monthly Credit Works
If approved, the California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot Program credit is applied as a bill credit:
- Standalone fixed broadband: up to $20/month
- Fixed broadband + voice: up to $30/month
Already on California LifeLine? If you qualify for LifeLine, you can apply this California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot Program credit to your LifeLine plan.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility for the California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot Program follows the current California Lifeline eligibility criteria.
If you’re not sure whether you qualify, our team can help you understand what you’ll need, or you can review eligibility requirements on the California Public Utilities webpage.
A $46 connection fee applies for phone service. Once approved, you may receive up to a $39 credit toward this fee.
How to Apply
Applying for the California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot Program starts with enrolling in California LifeLine.
Step 1: Apply for California LifeLine
Customers should contact their service provider to begin the application process.
If you qualify for California LifeLine, you may also qualify for the California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot Program credit.
Step 2: Once Approved Contact CalTel
Once you’re approved for California LifeLine, contact CalTel and let us know you’d like to apply your benefit to an eligible broadband (or broadband + phone) plan.
We will:
- Confirm your eligibility
- Review available plans at your address
- Apply the monthly bill credit (up to $20 for broadband or up to $30 for broadband + phone)
Step 3: See the Credit on Your Bill
After enrollment and plan confirmation, your approved California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot Program credit will appear as a monthly bill credit on your CalTel statement.
Have questions or need help? Stop by our Copperopolis or Valley Springs locations or call our customer service team at 1-800-253-2511. We’ll explain the program, verify service availability, and help you get started.
CalTel offers the California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot Program in conjunction with the California Public Utilities Commission’s California Lifeline Home Broadband Pilot as approved under Decision 25-08-050. Universal Lifeline Telephone Service is a state and federally funded government assistance program, which provides discounted service to low-income residential customers who meet eligibility rules established by the California Public Utilities Commission and the Federal Communications Commission.
