Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) serving low-income communities in San Francisco should be aware that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is currently considering changes to the California Teleconnect Fund (CTF). Some of the proposed changes could have a significant impact on community organizations serving the Latino and/or the low-income community.
CTF provides a 50 percent discount on a specified set of communications services to qualifying schools, libraries, government and hospital district-owned healthcare facilities, community colleges, the California Telehealth Network, and CBOs in California.
Eligible CBOs include organizations that offer healthcare, job training, job placement, 2-1-1 referral services and information, educational instruction, access to computers, the Internet and technology training.
However, the CPUC staff proposal recommends significant changes that will impact CBO eligibility and services that could make it harder for them to qualify for the discount. If the CPUC approves the current staff proposal, many organizations could find themselves ineligible for the fund or no longer able to receive the discount for their Internet or voice services.
At a time when community organizations face especially severe budget constraints, this program has helped many organizations provide their community with essential services by allowing them to save money on telecommunications expenses and shift the savings into other needed services.
However, there is still time for CBOs to provide input on whether the Commission should change the CTF goals. Questions that need to be addressed include: What is the role of CBOs in low-income communities? How do CBOs provide access to individuals who do not have broadband access? How do CBOs use the internet to provide essential services to these communities? Is there value in continuing to subsidize voice services for CBOs whose mission it is to serve low-income populations? How do CBOs identify their target populations? How does your organization define access? Should the eligibility requirements for CBOs be revised? What is the role of CBOs with limited financial and technology resources that serve local communities with limited financial and technical resources? Should CBOS that provide information and referral services remain eligible for CTF?
CBOs can participate by responding to these questions in two ways:
1. Send a letter to CPUC Commissioner Carla Peterman, 505 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102
2. Attend an upcoming Public Participation Hearing this summer (location TBA)
For more information on Current Eligibility Requirements, visit the CPUC Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/Telco/Public+Programs/CTF/CTF+Discount.htm
To look at the CTF staff proposal, visit: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/hottopics/2Telco/CTF.htm
If you would like to apply for the California Teleconnect Fund , you can download an application by going to the following website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov/PUC/Telco/Public+Programs/CTF/Application.htm
For more information about the upcoming public participation hearings, contact Ana Montes, amontes@turn.org at The Utility Reform Network (TURN) or call (415) 929-8876, Extension 314.