California Teleconnect Fund

Providing discounts on advanced communications services to qualifying organizations.

The California Teleconnect Fund (CTF) program provides a 50% discount on advanced communication services, including high-speed internet access and broadband services, to qualifying schools, libraries, school and library annexes, community colleges, government-owned hospitals and health clinics, community-based organizations, and healthcare community-based organizations.

The CTF program was established by Decision (D.) 96-10-066 and is governed by Public Utilities Code Sections 280 and 884. In D.96-10-066, the CPUC reaffirmed its commitment to universal service and in accordance with state and federal directives created the CTF program. The CTF program is funded through a surcharge on all customers that purchase intrastate telecommunications services and has an adopted budget of $108.591 million for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. See the California Teleconnect Fund Fact Sheet for more information.

Information for Applicants and Participants

Please refer to the CTF Applicant & Participant Guidebook for information on the CTF program including an overview of the program, participant eligibility criteria, application instructions, list of eligible communication services, and other important information.

The CTF program periodically requires participants to submit new applications to recertify eligibility. The CTF program sends participants a notice to recertify when eligibility is nearing expiration. To ensure receipt of this notice and other important information, participants should ensure their contact information is up-to-date by checking their eCAP profile or emailing ctfhelp@cpuc.ca.gov. Click here for more information on the program's recertification requirements and process.

Additional resources and information:

The California Teleconnect Fund began accepting applications for school and library annexes starting in 2024. For more information, please review Administrative Letter 32. 

Information for Service Providers

Please refer to the CTF Service Provider Manual for important information regarding the CTF program including service provider requirements, eligible CTF discounted services, instructions applying CTF discounts to customers' bills, and requesting reimbursement from the CPUC.

Service providers must file their claims for reimbursement through the eCAP portal. eCAP replaces the previous email submission method. In addition to filing and tracking claims, service providers may use eCAP to maintain their program enrollment and update their Primary Regulatory or Complaint Contact information. Service providers that wish to participate in the CTF program must enroll in the program through eCAP.

The CPUC will send service providers an email invitation to access their eCAP account. Service providers that did not receive an email invitation or are otherwise unable to access their eCAP account should contact CTFClaims@cpuc.ca.gov. Service providers should not create a new eCAP account; all service provider eCAP accounts are created by the CPUC.

 See below for resources for carriers and service providers:

 

California Teleconnect Fund

Program Contact

For all inquiries, please allow 48 hours for a response.
 
For general inquiries before submitting an application, submitted an application and are inquiring about its status, or have participant recertification inquires, please direct them to CTFHelp@cpuc.ca.gov or call Dylan French at (415) 703-1811.
 

Carriers and service providers can direct inquiries to CTFClaims@cpuc.ca.gov.