Affordable Internet through California LifeLine
The California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot
The California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot is a program of the California Public Utilities Commission that provides discounted internet service to qualifying households. As a participating provider, SisQtel Broadband helps eligible customers in our community get connected at a lower cost.
- Because of an order from the Federal Communications Commission, applying to California LifeLine is now separate from federal Lifeline. California LifeLine discounts have not changed, and current customers do not need to re-enroll. However, as of February 1, 2026, new applicants must apply to each program to receive both subsidies. New and current customers will need to complete an annual renewal separately for each program to keep their discounts.
For information on changes to the programs please use these links:
- Information from the California Public Utilities Commission: California LifeLine vs Federal Lifeline
- California LifeLine (state program home): www.californialifeline.com
- Federal Lifeline (federal program home): www.lifelinesupport.org
You May Qualify if Your Household:
- Meets Income Guidelines
Your total household income is within program limits:
Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|
1 | $24,600 |
2 | $33,300 |
3 | $42,100 |
4 | $50,800 |
Each additional person | $8,700 |
Effective June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027.
For full eligibility details, visit: https://www.californialifeline.com/en/eligibility_requirements
- Or, Participates in a Public Assistance Program, such as:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- CalFresh, Food Stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- National School Lunch Program (NSL)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)
- Stanislaus County Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (StanWORKs)
- Welfare-to-Work (WTW)
- Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN)
- Tribal TANF
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Federal Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit Program
How the Program Works
- Receive a monthly discount on internet service (up to $20/month discount for qualifying households).
- One-time credits – Up to $39 for applicable connection charges: Households are limited to one reimbursement for connection charges per year per California LifeLine provider, in accordance with California LifeLine program rules.
- Discount is applied as a credit directly to your bill.
- Only one California LifeLine credit is available per household, either through the Home Broadband Pilot or California LifeLine Program, but qualifying customers may be eligible for additional credit through the federal Lifeline program.
- If you currently participate in the California LifeLine Program, you can move your enrollment to the Home Broadband Pilot Program. Your credits will be updated to reflect the change in your enrollment.
How to Apply
To apply, contact us at SisQtel Broadband 1-530-467-6000 or 1-866-467-6001 and we’ll help you begin the application process.
Important Program Details
- A standalone broadband plan does not include voice service for making 911 calls.
- Customers may be de-enrolled from the program due to non-usage.
- Only one LifeLine service is allowed per household (except for TTY users, where a second phone line may be discounted).
- Wireless service may experience interruptions due to weather conditions, terrain, or gaps in service coverage. (D.12-12-038)
- To keep your California LifeLine discount, you will need to renew your benefits every year.
California LifeLine Protections During Disasters
At SisQtel Broadband, we know how important reliable internet service is, especially during wildfires, severe storms, and other emergencies.California has established additional protections to help eligible LifeLine customers maintain their discounted internet service when qualifying disasters disrupt utility services.
When Do LifeLine Disaster Protections Apply?California LifeLine disaster protections automatically take effect when the Governor of California or the President of the United States declares an emergency, excluding drought-related declarations, and the disaster results in:• A disruption in the delivery or receipt of utility services.• A reduction in the quality of utility services for residential or small business customers.
What Protections Are Available?During a qualifying disaster, affected California LifeLine customers receive temporary relief from certain program requirements.
Annual Renewal RequirementsCalifornia LifeLine annual renewals are temporarily suspended for affected customers during the protection period. This means you do not have to complete your state LifeLine renewal while these protections are in effect.
Non-Usage RequirementsAffected customers are also temporarily protected from losing their California LifeLine discount solely because they have not used their internet service for the period specified under the program's non-usage rules.These protections are intended to help customers maintain their benefits when emergencies make it difficult to access or use internet services. How Long Do Disaster Protections Last?California LifeLine disaster protections initially remain in effect for 30 days after activation.If utility services remain disrupted, or applicable evacuation or shelter-in-place restrictions continue, the protections automatically extend for another 30 days. Does Federal Lifeline Have the Same Protections?California LifeLine and federal Lifeline are separate programs with different disaster protection requirements.California's disaster protections do not automatically suspend federal Lifeline renewal or non-usage requirements.If you receive federal Lifeline benefits, you may still need to complete your federal annual renewal or meet applicable usage requirements to keep your federal discount.
Non-Usage RequirementsAffected customers are also temporarily protected from losing their California LifeLine discount solely because they have not used their internet service for the period specified under the program's non-usage rules.These protections are intended to help customers maintain their benefits when emergencies make it difficult to access or use internet services. How Long Do Disaster Protections Last?California LifeLine disaster protections initially remain in effect for 30 days after activation.If utility services remain disrupted, or applicable evacuation or shelter-in-place restrictions continue, the protections automatically extend for another 30 days. Does Federal Lifeline Have the Same Protections?California LifeLine and federal Lifeline are separate programs with different disaster protection requirements.California's disaster protections do not automatically suspend federal Lifeline renewal or non-usage requirements.If you receive federal Lifeline benefits, you may still need to complete your federal annual renewal or meet applicable usage requirements to keep your federal discount.
California LifeLine Customer Protections During Emergencies
When wildfires, severe storms, or other emergencies affect our communities, staying connected to family, emergency services, and important updates matters.
California LifeLine provides additional protections for eligible customers affected by qualifying declared disasters that disrupt utility services.
These protections may temporarily:• Suspend annual renewal requirements: Affected customers can maintain their California LifeLine discount without completing their annual state program renewal during the protection period.• Prevent loss of benefits due to non-usage: Affected customers are temporarily protected from losing their California LifeLine discount solely because they have not used their internet service. How Long Do These Protections Last?Protections automatically take effect when qualifying emergency conditions are met and initially last 30 days.An additional 30-day extension applies if certain utility service disruptions, evacuation orders, or shelter-in-place restrictions continue. Important: Federal Lifeline operates under separate requirements. California LifeLine disaster protections do not automatically apply to federal Lifeline benefits.
California LifeLine provides additional protections for eligible customers affected by qualifying declared disasters that disrupt utility services.
These protections may temporarily:• Suspend annual renewal requirements: Affected customers can maintain their California LifeLine discount without completing their annual state program renewal during the protection period.• Prevent loss of benefits due to non-usage: Affected customers are temporarily protected from losing their California LifeLine discount solely because they have not used their internet service. How Long Do These Protections Last?Protections automatically take effect when qualifying emergency conditions are met and initially last 30 days.An additional 30-day extension applies if certain utility service disruptions, evacuation orders, or shelter-in-place restrictions continue. Important: Federal Lifeline operates under separate requirements. California LifeLine disaster protections do not automatically apply to federal Lifeline benefits.
Need Help With Your LifeLine Service?
If you have questions about your LifeLine benefits or internet service during a disaster or emergency, contact SisQtel Broadband.
Local Customer Service: 530-467-6000Toll-Free: 866-467-6001
For additional information about California LifeLine, visit www.californialifeline.com.
Local Customer Service: 530-467-6000Toll-Free: 866-467-6001
For additional information about California LifeLine, visit www.californialifeline.com.
Local Service You can Count On!
When you choose SisQtel, you're choosing:
- A trusted local provider serving Siskiyou County since 1896
- Reliable internet built for rural communities
- Friendly, local support
The California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot is a government assistance program. Eligibility and benefits are determined by the California LifeLine Administrator. Terms and conditions apply.