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The California Line Extension Program (LEP) - A Summary
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The California Line Extension Program (LEP) - A Summary

Last verified 2026-07-03 (live fetch of the CPUC LEP page): program ACTIVE, rules current per Decision D.25-11-003 (Nov 25, 2025), applications accepted on a rolling basis, LifeLine/CARE income eligibility unchanged. Previous check 2026-05-17. The dollar amounts and rules below come from the original 2019 guidelines (Decision D.19-04-022); some details may have shifted under the new decision. Always confirm the current numbers with the CPUC or your ISP before applying. Featured in "Wait, I Qualify?!" Episode 2, Benefit Two (records July 6, 2026) — the script beat and program card were verified against the live CPUC page 2026-07-03. [Source: cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/california-advanced-services-fund/casf-line-extension-program (accessed 2026-05-17)]

What the Line Extension Program does

If you live in California and the cable or fiber line stops short of your house, the Line Extension Program (LEP) can pay to run that last stretch of line to your home. It is funded by the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) and run by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
The money goes to a local internet provider, not to you. The provider builds the line, and the LEP covers the construction cost.

Who qualifies

You qualify if all of these are true:
  • You live in California at the home that needs the new line.
  • Your home has no broadband connection today (it is a "non-connected household").
  • Your household income is at or below the CARE program income limit — OR you are already enrolled in California LifeLine or CARE. If you qualify for either of those, you automatically qualify for the LEP.
  • An internet provider is willing to build the line extension to your address.
  • Your address has not received an LEP grant before.
If you rent, the property owner has to sign off on the construction.
[Source: cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/communications-division/documents/casf-infrastructure-and-market-analysis/line-extension-program/lep-rules-appendix-extracted-from-d1904022.pdf (accessed 2026-05-17)]

How much it pays

If you qualify, LEP covers 100% of the line extension cost, up to these caps (per 2019 rules — confirm current caps with CPUC):
  • Fixed wireless install: up to $500
  • Wireline install (fiber, coax, copper): up to $9,300
Total program funding under AB 1665 was $5 million statewide.

How to apply (5 steps)

  1. Find an internet provider that is willing to build to your address. Call ISPs that serve your county — small rural co-ops like Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications, Cruzio, and South Valley Internet have used LEP successfully. Ask: "Will you submit a CASF Line Extension Program application for my address?"
  1. Get a written cost estimate from the provider for the line extension. This is your contract or estimate.
  1. Prove your income or enrollment. Bring one of: a current CARE or LifeLine enrollment letter, a pay stub from the last 45 days showing gross pay, or a recent IRS Form 1040 (or 1040 with Schedule C if self-employed).
  1. Sign the consent forms. You sign one form stating no broadband provider currently serves your address. If you rent, the property owner signs a separate consent.
  1. Provider submits the application to the CPUC by email (CASFLineExtensionProgram@cpuc.ca.gov) and a hard copy by mail to:
      2. Communications Division, Attn: CASF Line Extension Program, 505 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Once approved, the provider has 12 months to finish the build.

Common pitfalls

  • The provider applies, not you. If no ISP near you participates, the program cannot help. Call multiple providers.
  • "Non-connected" is strict. If any wired or wireless broadband provider already serves your address — even slowly — you may not qualify.
  • Net pay stubs don't count. Only stubs showing gross pay are accepted.
  • Renters need owner sign-off. Don't skip this; it will bounce the application.
  • The 2019 caps may not be current. Decision D.25-11-003 (Nov 2025) updated the rules. Ask the CPUC or your ISP for the latest subsidy ceilings before you assume a project fits.

Where to get help

  • California LifeLine (phone discount that also qualifies you here): 1-877-858-7463
  • CARE Program (energy discount that also qualifies you here): contact your gas/electric utility
  • In Nevada County, CA: call your local ISP first; TechEmpower can help you identify which providers serve your area — info@techempower.org

The original 2019 program rules

The full text of the 2019 LEP application requirements is preserved below for reference. Many sections (subsidy caps, application deadlines, eligible projects, payment process) remain the structural basis of the program even after D.25-11-003.
CASF Line Extension Program
CASF Line Extension Program
https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/california-advanced-services-fund/casf-line-extension-program
www.cpuc.ca.gov
https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/-/media/cpuc-website/divisions/communications-division/documents/casf-infrastructure-and-market-analysis/line-extension-program/lep-rules-appendix-extracted-from-d1904022.pdf

Text version of the 2019 guidelines

R.12-10-012 COM/MGA/mph
APPENDIX 1
CASF Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account
Line Extension Program Pilot
Application Requirements and Guidelines
Date: April 2019
Background. AB 1665 introduced the Line Extension Program (LEP) as part of the CASF Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account. Under the LEP, an individual household and/or property owner can apply for an infrastructure grant to offset the costs of connecting a household or property to an existing or proposed facility-based broadband provider. Any infrastructure built with funds provided by the LEP shall become the property of, and part of, the network of the facility-based broadband provider to which it is connected.
Amount Available for Grants. Pursuant to AB 1665, the aggregate amount available for awards is $5 million.
Definitions. A facilities-based broadband provider is an entity that owns or controls the physical facility terminating at the end-user premises (excluding satellite and terrestrial mobile wireless). A line extension is the over-head, underground, or wireless extension of plant from existing distribution facilities to the customer premises network interface device. A non-connected household is a household that does not have a service connection to any broadband service.
Eligible Applicants. An "Eligible Applicant" is the customer residing at the location to be served. All recipients must meet the income-based requirements. Applicants who qualify for the California LifeLine or CARE Programs automatically meet the qualifying income threshold. Applicants not enrolled in CARE or LifeLine but with household income equivalent to CARE income guidelines also automatically meet the threshold. A representative, including a facilities-based broadband provider, may apply on behalf of an eligible applicant or a group.
Subsidy Level. The LEP subsidizes 100% of the cost of the proposed project for applicants who meet the California LifeLine or CARE program income thresholds. Maximum subsidy per household: $500 for Fixed Wireless and $9,300 for Wireline installations.
Eligible Projects. Must connect an Eligible Applicant; property must not have previously received an LEP grant; project must serve a Non-connected Household; service speeds at least 10 Mbps down / 1 Mbps up; statutorily or categorically exempt from CEQA.
Information Required from Applicants. A proposed contract or written estimate from the facilities-based broadband provider; proof of enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program, OR proof of income via Federal Income Tax Form 1040 (and variants) or a gross-pay pay stub issued within the last 45 days; written owner consent if the applicant is not the property owner; signed consent that no facilities-based broadband provider offers service at the address.
Submission. Email to CASFLineExtensionProgram@cpuc.ca.gov and mail a hard copy to: Communications Division, Attn: California Advanced Services Fund, Line Extension Program, 505 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102. Applications may be submitted at any time.
Ministerial Review. Communications Division Staff approves applications meeting all criteria: Eligible Project; Eligible Applicant; cost within the $500 / $9,300 cap; unchallenged or challenge denied; no competing applications for the same project area in the same period; completion within 12 months; provider informs applicant of low-income service plans.
Resolution Review. When an application does not meet ministerial review criteria, Staff may still recommend Commission approval through the traditional Commission Resolution process.
Reporting. Upon completion and before payment, both the applicant and the provider/contractor must submit signed completion forms confirming the line extension is installed and service is active.
Payment. Made directly to the provider or approved contractor based on an approved invoice with supporting documentation. Payment will not exceed the approved subsidy amount; cost overruns are the provider's responsibility.
Execution and Performance. Projects must be completed within 12 months; service offered at minimum 10/1 Mbps; provider must inform applicant of low-income plans; CEQA exemption determination required in writing. The provider has up to one year to complete; if not completed, the grant is rescinded. Invoices are subject to CPUC financial audit within 3 years of completion. If the provider fails to perform per contract, it must reimburse some or all CASF funds received.
(End of 2019 Appendix 1)
Sources used to verify this page on 2026-05-17: