California Teleconnect Fund (CTF)

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC or Commission) implemented the CTF in 1996 pursuant to Public Utilities Code § 280(a). Decision 96-10-066 created the CTF Program to promote innovation in the delivery and use of advanced communication services, encourage the diversity of choices among services and providers, and ensure for affordable and widespread access to California’s broadband networks and technology. CTF aims to bring every Californian direct access to advanced communications services in their local communities, particularly those with lower rates of internet adoption and greater financial need.

The CTF Program enables discounts on advanced communications services to approved participants, including: schools, libraries, hospitals, health clinics, community colleges, 2-1-1 referral providers, and community-based organizations (CBOs). Participants receive a 50 percent discount on monthly recurring charges of eligible services. Service providers apply the discount within participants’ monthly bills, then submit claims for reimbursement to the CPUC Communications Division.1

The CTF Program is funded by California ratepayers through a surcharge assessed on revenues collected by telecommunications companies for intrastate telecommunications products and services.

The CPUC Communications Division manages the CTF in coordination with the CTF Administrative Committee. The Communications Division administers the program, which includes processing applications, processing claims for reimbursement from carriers, preparing annual budgets, proposing changes to the surcharge, and other day-to-day administration tasks. The CTF Administrative Committee advises the CPUC regarding the development, implementation, and administration of the program.

Role of Service Providers

Service providers are vital to the success of the CTF Program. They play an important role as the conduit through which the CTF Program delivers benefits to Californians. Service providers apply the CTF discount to participants’ monthly bills for eligible advanced communication services. Then, service providers submit claims for reimbursement to the CPUC Communications Division to recoup the CTF discounts given to participants.2 Service providers also make information on the CTF Program available to the public and submit data to the CPUC Communications Division on a regular basis.

For questions or inquires, please contact CBC Billing, 909-457-8405.

CTF's products and services.