Affordable Internet and Net Equality Act of 2024.
If enacted, this legislation would significantly alter the procurement landscape for internet services in California. By dictating that state contracts only be awarded to ISPs offering affordable options to qualified households, the bill seeks to ensure that economically vulnerable populations have access to reliable internet. The legislation sets clear speed benchmarks for internet service, ensuring that these households can participate fully in a digital society, thereby reducing the digital divide in California.
Senate Bill No. 1179, titled the Affordable Internet and Net Equality Act of 2024, aims to enhance internet accessibility for low-income households by mandating that the California Department of Technology, alongside the Public Utilities Commission and Department of General Services, create and implement the Net Equality Program. The bill specifies that state agencies may only enter into agreements with internet service providers (ISPs) that provide affordable home internet to households enrolled in public assistance programs. Such services must be priced no higher than $30 per month while meeting minimum speed requirements that support essential services like distance learning and telehealth.
Despite its laudable goals, the bill is not without controversy. Some stakeholders argue that imposing such requirements may limit the number of viable ISPs that can contract with the state, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Furthermore, providers with fewer than 100,000 residential customers are excluded from this mandate, raising questions about whether smaller ISPs could be unfairly disadvantaged by this legislation. Overall, the debate surrounding SB1179 highlights the delicate balance between expanding access to affordable internet and ensuring fair competition among service providers.