California Teleconnect Fund

California Teleconnect Fund Program

The California Teleconnect Fund (CTF) provides qualified organizations a 50% discount on Internet access and select Digital Transmission services offered by GeoLinks in California. The application of actual discounts may vary for CTF participants who are eligible for federal E-rate discounts or who receive federal rural healthcare discounts.

GeoLinks Services Eligible for CTF Discounts

The following services listed under these categories are eligible for CTF reimbursements:

Digital Transmission Service Internet Access
Ethernet Cable
Fibers Fiber/Leased Dark Fiber
Fixed Wireless Fixed Wireless
Wide Area Networks (WAN) Wide Area Networks (WAN)

Eligibility Criteria

CTF customers must qualify under one of the following categories:

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

  • 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
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GeoLinks was the largest grant recipient in California during the FCC’s Connect America Fund Phase II Auction, paving the way for buildout in rural California in 2020. To find out if and when your area will be lit up, sign up to get notified.