CPUC Proposes Pilot for Stacking State LifeLine, ACP Benefits

After scrapping a California LifeLine proposal on the state low-income program’s interaction with federal support (see 2210040037), the California Public Utilities Commission sought comment Friday on a possible pilot for using federal affordable connectivity program (ACP) funds. It would “test an approach to providing a bundled service plan that includes voice service and sufficient wireline or wireless broadband service to meet household needs,” said the ruling by Commissioner Genevieve Shiroma in docket R.20-02-008. Pilot participants could “stack” up to $17.90 monthly of the California LifeLine specific support amount with the $30 ACP discount and $9.25 federal Lifeline subsidy for plans that meet the pilot criteria, it said. All state LifeLine participants who meet ACP and federal Lifeline eligibility criteria would be eligible for the pilot, it said. Comments are due Nov. 30, with replies due Dec. 30.