AB 353: Communications: broadband internet service providers: affordable home internet service.

Existing law, the Digital Equity Bill of Rights, provides that it is the principle of the state to ensure digital equity for all residents of the state, that residents shall have access to broadband that meets specific requirements, and that it is the policy of the state that, to the extent technically feasible, broadband internet subscribers benefit from equal access to broadband internet service within the service area of a broadband provider.

Existing law, the California Internet Consumer Protection and Net Neutrality Act of 2018, prohibits fixed and mobile internet service providers, as defined, that provide broadband internet access service, as defined, from engaging in specified actions concerning the treatment of internet traffic, including engaging in paid prioritization.

This bill would require every California internet service provider, except as specified, to offer for purchase to eligible households, as defined, within their California service territory affordable home internet service that meets minimum speed requirements. service, as defined. The bill would also require every California internet service provider to make commercially reasonable efforts to promote and advertise the availability of affordable home internet service for eligible households, as provided.

Existing law establishes within the Government Operations Agency the Department of Technology, which is supervised by the Director of Technology. Existing law authorizes the director and the department to exercise various powers in creating and managing the information technology policy of the state.

This bill would, starting January 1, 2027, require California internet service providers to annually provide a report to the Department of Technology with specified information related to their affordable home internet service plans and broadband products. plans.

This bill would provide that the Public Utilities Commission has no jurisdiction or regulatory authority to implement, enforce, interpret, or oversee any aspect of these provisions, as specified, and would require any administrative or oversight responsibilities to be carried out exclusively by the Department of Technology.

This bill would make its provisions inoperative upon the implementation of a federal or state broadband subscription subsidy program for low income households that meets specified criteria.