Office of Broadband and Digital Literacy: outreach.
The bill emphasizes the need for state agencies to disseminate information regarding discount programs and resources, such as the federal Affordable Connectivity Program. By mandating outreach and education about these programs, SB 860 aims to bridge the digital divide and provide low-income families with better access to telecommunications services. The amendment to the Public Utilities Code regarding lifeline telephone service will further support making basic residential telephone services more accessible and affordable for eligible individuals.
Senate Bill 860, introduced by Senator Bradford, aims to enhance telecommunications services under the Moore Universal Telephone Service Act by addressing affordability and promoting broadband adoption for low-income households in California. The bill mandates that the Office of Broadband and Digital Literacy implement specific actions, including coordinating with various state agencies to ensure awareness of available discount service and device programs for eligible residents. A key focus is to ensure effective communication of these services to low-income Californians through accessible and multilingual materials.
The sentiment around SB 860 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among advocates for low-income communities who see the bill as a positive step towards greater accessibility and affordability in telecommunications. The emphasis on outreach and education indicates an acknowledgment of existing barriers faced by low-income households in accessing essential services. However, there might be concerns regarding the implementation and effectiveness of the outreach strategies outlined in the bill.
While the bill predominantly supports enhancing telecommunications access for low-income families, some stakeholders may question the adequacy of funding and resources allocated to the Office of Broadband and Digital Literacy for these outreach efforts. Additionally, the effectiveness of the coordination between state agencies could be a point of contention, as ensuring that eligible Californians are aware of and able to access discounted services is crucial to the bill’s success.