SAN FRANCISCO – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), in ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide, has made important improvements to its California Teleconnect Fund (CTF) program application portal to allow schools and libraries to receive discounted services on eligible advanced telecommunication services at associated annex locations.
The CTF plays a crucial role in bridging the digital divide by providing eligible organizations with discounted rates on select telecommunications and broadband services. These services help ensure that underserved communities, schools and libraries (including school and library annexes), and healthcare facilities have access to affordable and reliable telecommunication services. The improvements made to the CPUC’s CTF electronic Claim and Application Portal (eCAP) system are intended to reach school and library annexes that will be able to utilize CTF discounts and provide reliable advanced communication services to the public.
The CTF program categorizes applicants (and participants) into distinct groups: Public Schools, Private Schools, Libraries, Community Colleges, Government Hospitals/Clinics, Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), including 2-1-1 Providers, and Healthcare CBOs. School and library annexes are now eligible and encouraged to apply to the CTF program under qualifying school and library eCAP accounts.
Eligibility
Eligibility for school annexes will be limited to:
- Existing school or school district account in eCAP
- California school annex addresses with an active County District School (CDS) code in the California Department of Education’s School Directory (annexes may have the same CDS code as the qualifying school or school district)
- Must provide elementary or secondary education (grades K–12), academic instruction, or preschool services that meet E-rate eligibility criteria
Eligibility for library annexes will be limited to:
- Existing library account in eCAP
- Eligible service address
- License plate and Vehicle Identification Number (If annex is a Library-Book Mobile)
More information
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About the California Public Utilities Commission
The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. Visit www.cpuc.ca.gov for more information.
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