California Teleconnect Fund (CTF)

The CTF program provides a 50% discount for broadband on select communications services to schools, libraries, hospitals and other non-profit organizations. 

The program was established by Decision 96-10-066 on October 25, 1996. In this decision, the California Public Utilities Commission reaffirmed its commitment to universal service, and created the CTF program in accordance with state and federal directives. The program is funded through a surcharge on all customers that purchase intrastate telecommunications services.

Mitel Services eligible for discount:

Wireless Services:

Internet Access

- Cable up to 10M/1M
- Cable up to 15M/3M
- Cable up to 50M/10M
- Cable up to 60M/4M
- VSAT - 15.0M/2.0M
- 3.0Mbps Broadband Cable
- 5 Meg Ethernet Port/Loop
- Adtran 3430 Dual NIM
- IP 3M Local Loop - AT&T
- IP 3M Port - AT&T
- IP 50M Local Loop
- IP 50M Port
- IP 50M Standard Charges
- ADSL up to 3.0M/512k
- ADSL up to 6.0M/768k
- DSL FTTI 50.0M/25.0M
- DSL Port/Loop
- DSL Standard Charges

Who is eligible to receive the CTF discount?

Organizations in the following categories may be eligible to receive the CTF Discount. CTF discount is applicable only on accounts that have been approved for program participation by the California Public Utilities Commission. Verify your organizations eligibility by visiting cpuc.ca.gov or by emailing [email protected]

  • Public Schools [County District School Codes]
  • Private Schools [County District School Codes]
  • Libraries
  • Community Based Organizations
  • Hospitals & Health Clinics
  • California Community Colleges
  • California Telehealth Network (under University of California, Davis; Application No. 1; Filed 12/6/10; Approved 12/9/10)

Per the CPUC website, these are generally the qualifying requirements:

Schools & School Districts

  • Public or nonprofit private schools
  • Located in California
  • Providing elementary or secondary education (K - 12)
  • Annual endowments under $50 million
  • Must have active County District School Code Number

Libraries

  • Located in California
  • Eligible to participate in state-based plans for funds under Title III of the Library Services and Technology Act

Government Owned and Operated Hospitals & Health Clinics

  • Located in California
  • Owned and operated by a municipal, county government, or a hospital district
  • Some that do not meet the above “owned and operated” requirement may qualify as a Community Based Organization (see below)

Community Based Organizations (CBOs)

  • Total revenue does not exceed $5 million, except for 2-1-1 CBOs and Health care CBOs
  • Tax-exempt
  • Directly offer one of the following services to a community at specific geographic locations in California: 2-1-1 Service Provider, Educational Instruction, Health care, Job Training, Job Placement, or a Community Technology program
  • Provides its community access to the internet, except for 2-1-1 CBOs and Health care CBOs
  • Demonstrate that a majority of the board members reside within the state or are members of the community of interest served by the CBO (such as disability) •
  • Demonstrate that it provides its services to the community without charge or at discounted rates 

Subcategory of CBO: Health care CBOs

In addition to the general CBO criteria above, Health care CBOs must:

  • Have annual revenues of less than $50 million
  • Have licensed medical personnel on site providing Health care services
  • Accept medical plan such as Medi-Cal, Medicare, Department of Veteran’s Affair insurance, and/or provides services without charge or at a minimal fee 

Subcategory of Health care CBO: California Telehealth Network members

  • Must individually qualify by meeting the requirements for Health care CBOs

California Community Colleges

  • Must submit an application with current Management Information System code

How can I apply for the CTF discount?

The CPUC application can be found at the CPUC website www.cpuc.ca.gov/ctf/

*NOTE: Your CPUC CTF Application must contain an original signature (not faxed or photocopied) for your request to be processed.

Once your application is approved by the CPUC, you will be provided with a Notice of Eligibility for the California Teleconnect Fund (CTF) Service Discounts. This approval letter must be provided to Mitel’s billing team in order to begin including CTF Discounts in your monthly invoice.