California is moving closer to requiring internet service providers to offer low-cost broadband options, following New York’s lead. A new bill, AB 353, introduced by Democratic Assemblymember Tasha Boerner, aims to provide affordable internet to the 3.5 million Californians without access. The bill mandates that providers offer plans costing no more than $15 per month to households participating in public assistance programs like CalFresh or Medi-Cal. These plans must meet the federal minimum standard for broadband speeds, with at least 100 megabits per second download and 20 megabits per second upload, enabling activities like streaming and video calls.
The California Assembly will hold a hearing on the bill on Wednesday. The hearing will be livestreamed on the Assembly’s website. New York’s similar law, which faced legal challenges, was upheld by the Second Circuit Court of Appeals, encouraging other states to consider similar measures. Massachusetts and Vermont have also introduced bills to regulate affordable internet prices.
The California Public Utilities Commission’s Public Advocates Office estimates that AB 353 could save low-income residents nearly $100 million annually while reducing major providers’ revenue by less than 1%. The bill requires a majority vote to pass the legislature and will begin in the Committee on Communications and Conveyance. As reported by Broadband Breakfast, the bill excludes mobile broadband providers but includes smaller providers, unlike New York’s law. The bill also requires providers to make efforts to promote the offer, ensuring residents are aware of the available options.
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