California Considering Changes to State LifeLine Program

Yesterday, the first round of comments were received on the California Public Utilities Commission's LifeLine Scoping Memo, released in the California Universal Telephone Service (LifeLine) Program proceeding on April 10, 2013.  The Scoping Memo sought comment on a large number of issues pertaining to the state's LifeLine Program, including subsidy amounts, service and pricing requirements, possible expansion of the program to include additional services, and the possible inclusion of non-traditional service providers, such as wireless.

Fourteen sets of comments representing 30 parties were filed with the CPUC.  The comments are expected to be posted soon on the CPUC's public docket.  Reply comments are due June 12. The Scoping Memo also established a schedule for public participation hearings throughout the state.  The hearings kicked off on May 14 and will continue through mid-August, according to the following schedule:

• June 12 in San Diego
• June 17 in Riverside
• June 18 in Los Angeles
• July 17 in Eureka
• July 31 in Fresno
• August 13 in Salinas