Library: English | Connect to California LifeLine and Save! (2024): Discounted telephone service can help your family stay in touch

California LifeLine provides discounts on basic residential wireline (home phone) or wireless telephone or broadband internet service to eligible low-income households. Consumers who qualify for California LifeLine pay a fraction of the regular cost for telephone connection or activation and monthly service. This brochure explains the features and benefits of Lifeline phone service, how to apply for the program and what you must do to continue participation.

Library: English | Computer, tablet and smartphone warranties: Understanding and exercising your rights
A computer, tablet or smartphone can be a big investment, so it's important to know you'll be protected if you get a device with some sort of defect. This guide explains how warranties for these types of products work, why extended warranties and insurance aren't always a good idea, your warranty rights under the law, how to file a claim, and what to do if you're dissatisfied with how your claim is handled. Category: Consumer Rights Technology Telecom on Apr 04, 2024

Library: English | What to know about computer, tablet and smartphone warranties
This tip sheet offers basic but important information about device warranties, your rights, and how to make a warranty claim. Category: Consumer Rights Technology Telecom on Apr 04, 2024

Library: English | Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program: Discounted phone and internet for low-income households
Broadband (high-speed) internet service is essential for conducting the necessary tasks of daily life, including learning and doing homework, telecommuting, looking for a job, banking, and accessing remote health services. This guide introduces the two federal programs that offer discounts on home broadband and wireless data service for qualifying low- and moderate-income households.

PROGRAM UPDATE: Due to a lack of additional funding from Congress, the Affordable Connectivity Program has placed a freeze on new ACP applications and enrollment. Consumers must be approved and enrolled with an internet service provider by 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 7 to receive the ACP benefit. Consumers who are enrolled in the ACP will continue to receive their benefit through April 2024. (This is an estimate, and could change.) If Congress decides to provide more funding for the ACP, the FCC will provide further guidance and instructions on how the program will proceed, and Consumer Action will update this message. Learn more here.
Category: Internet Telecom Wireless on Jul 01, 2021

Library: English | Resources for consumers impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak

In response to the coronavirus outbreak, Consumer Action created this guide to inform consumers about public and private resources as they became available to help deal with the economic fallout of the pandemic.

Library: English | Getting Up to Speed: Broadband internet for low-income households

Today, high-speed home internet service (broadband) is virtually a necessity for everything from finding a job to doing homework. However, many low-income households are at a disadvantage because broadband has been unaffordable for them. This fact sheet explains more about broadband, including its importance, benefits, availability and pricing. It also presents special programs that offer low- and moderate-income households fast home internet service at a discount.

Library: English | IP Transition: Making the Switch: The next communication evolution

This fact sheet explains what Internet-based (IP) telephone service is, why the transition away from traditional (copper-based landline) phone service is happening and what advantages this type of connection offers for consumers. The brochure also explains consumers’ service options and how they can make a smooth transition.

Library: English | Questions & Answers about the IP Transition: Connecting you with new changes to the phone system

This backgrounder answers many of the questions that consumers may have about the transition from traditional (copper-based landline) phone service to Internet-based service. Written in Q&A format, the guide introduces terms consumers should understand, explains how the transition will take place and why it’s important to them, and addresses nuts-and-bolts concerns they may have about switching to a new type of service.

Library: English | California LifeLine Public Assistance Programs

Detailed description of various federal and state assistance programs.

Library: English | Servicemembers and Veterans Financial Empowerment Resource Sheet

This 15-page resource guide is designed to help military servicemembers, veterans and their families make ends meet and weather financial crises. The guide details government and non-profit programs that provide financial aid, housing assistance, discounts on essential living expenses, financial counseling, legal advice, job training and more.