States Addressing Affordability

State legislatures across the country are recognizing that good broadband adoption is vital for a robust economy and have tackled or are considering plans to make broadband more affordable. The Oregon legislature passed HB 3148, which strengthens support for low-income broadband customers. The legislation increased the monthly subsidy for low-income households for broadband from $10 to $15 per month. The California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot Program is a three-year program designed to make home broadband more affordable. The California program offers a $20 discount for qualified homes to help pay for standalone broadband. The subsidy is $30 if used for a bundle of broadband and telephone service. In Connecticut, the Net Equality Program requires ISPs to offer a broadband plan to eligible households for a rate of $40 that must deliver speeds of at least 100/5 Mbps for the first year of the plan and 100/20 Mbps after that.