Miles SmithHigh speed internet expansion in California is getting a big financial boost, with the California Public Utilities Commission recently approving $157 million for projects that bring broadband internet access to underserved and unserved communities across the state.
The most recent round of CPUC awards brings the total for Last Mile Federal Funding Account grants to $829 million across 35 counties.
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The CPUC also approved a contingent $50 million grant from the Broadband Loan Loss Reserve Fund for Golden State Connect Authority to help expand access to reliable, affordable, high-speed broadband for rural Californians.
Projects were approved in Los Angeles, Amador and Solano Counties that benefit a total of more than 1 million Californians, CPUC said.
“As we approach the end of the year, today’s approval underscores our historic commitment to digital equity through the Broadband for All initiative,” said CPUC President Alice Reynolds. “These vital investments bring us closer to fulfilling the promise of reliable, high-speed internet for every Californian, particularly in underserved and unserved areas. The grants we are awarding are fostering a future where equitable access enhances education, healthcare, economic development, and emergency connectivity for communities across our state.”
Project details include:
- Three grants totaling $96.4 million to deploy a total of 326 miles of fiber in Los Angeles County.
- Golden State Connect Authority deploying approximately 284 miles of open access fiber infrastructure underground in Amador County, which is located largely in High Fire Thread Districts 2 and 3. The grant is conditional on one or more providers in the GSCA Amador County Broadband network participating in the California LifeLine Program. The project will cost approximately $66.7 million, with federal funding covering 86% of the cost.
- Four grants totaling $3.8 million in the City of Vallejo, which is located in Solano County. The projects involve deploying a cumulative 13 miles of fiber throughout the city.
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