TracFone and Verizon Urge California Commission to Expedite Approval of Affordable Connectivity Pilot

Strategic Insights -

The California Public Utilities Commission has been under pressure to approve the TracFone Pilot Offer, a proposal to provide unlimited voice, texts, and mobile data, as well as 30 GB of hotspot data, to low-income consumers. In a recent filing, TracFone and Verizon have urged the Commission to expedite the approval process, citing the impending exhaustion of the Affordable Connectivity Program's (ACP) funds in mid-2024.

The TracFone Pilot Offer is designed to provide a mobile broadband solution to low-income consumers, allowing them to access the internet and essential services. The proposal has received support from various stakeholders, including the Greenlining Institute and the Center for Accessible Technology, which have praised the offer's provision of unlimited mobile data and hotspot capability.

However, the Commission's deliberations have been ongoing for over a year, and the launch of the ACP Pilot has grown increasingly urgent. TracFone and Verizon argue that continued delay will deny California low-income consumers this opportunity, which is time-limited and unique.

Key Takeaways:

  • TracFone and Verizon urge the California Commission to expedite the approval of the TracFone Pilot Offer, citing the impending exhaustion of the ACP's funds in mid-2024.
  • The TracFone Pilot Offer provides unlimited voice, texts, and mobile data, as well as 30 GB of hotspot data, to low-income consumers.
  • The proposal has received support from various stakeholders, including the Greenlining Institute and the Center for Accessible Technology.
  • The Commission's deliberations have been ongoing for over a year, and the launch of the ACP Pilot has grown increasingly urgent.
  • TracFone has agreed to submit semi-annual reporting on mobile and hotspot data usage by its pilot subscribers, as recommended by the Assigned Commissioner's Ruling.
  • The Commission should act quickly to approve the TracFone Pilot Offer to deny California low-income consumers this opportunity, which is time-limited and unique.

Statistics:

  • 30 GB of hotspot data will be provided to low-income consumers under the TracFone Pilot Offer.
  • The ACP's funds are expected to be exhausted in mid-2024.
  • TracFone has agreed to submit semi-annual reporting on mobile and hotspot data usage by its pilot subscribers.

Sources:

  • Comments of Cellco Partnership (U-3001-C) and TracFone Wireless, Inc. (U-4231-C) on ACP Pilot Ruling, R. 20-02-008, Filed Feb. 27, 2020.
  • Greenlining Institute and Verizon Letter Regarding Affordable Connectivity Pilot Program, February 10, 2023.
  • TURN Reply Comments on the Assigned Commissioner's Ruling, dated December 30, 2022.
  • TracFone Wireless, Inc. Advice Letter 73 Regarding FCC Affordable Connectivity Plan, filed Dec. 20, 2021.