California advancing two broadband internet expansion programs to bridge digital divide

California is taking steps to overcome the digital divide in unserved, underserved and disadvantaged communities across the state. To help bridge the gap, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is announcing the advancement of two broadband internet expansion programs that will bring reliable, affordable high-speed internet to unconnected Californians.

Kicking off the announcements, the CPUC is announcing the sixth round of grants for the Last Mile Federal Funding Account Grant Program, a $2 billion state grant program that delivers funding to last-mile broadband infrastructure projects. For this round, the CPUC will fund 15 broadband infrastructure projects, including recommendations for three tribal projects, with up to $172 million in grant funding.

Expanding the state’s commitment to broadband connectivity, selected projects will establish new broadband networks that will improve residents’ access to healthcare, connect the next generation to education opportunities and further economic development opportunities, particularly in low-income communities across the state.

The proposed nontribal broadband projects will encompass communities in Del Norte, El Dorado, Humboldt, Santa Clara and Siskiyou counties.

Highlighting this group, El Dorado county will secure over $86.5 million in grants to fund five projects. Expected to serve over 8,000 people, these projects will develop a broadband network and build infrastructure that connects to additional middle mile broadband initiatives.

For tribes, the CPUC is recommending grants for three tribal entities in Del Norte and Humboldt counties.

The largest of those, the Karuk Tribe in Humboldt county, will secure $27.5 million to expand internet connectivity through the Fiber-To-The-Home project.

For a full list of program awards and recommendations, see the CPUC’s Federal Funding Account Recommendations and Awards webpage.

Since initial applications closed in September 2023, every California county, represented by 484 applicants, applied for broadband expansion funding under the Last Mile Federal Funding Account, totaling more than $4.6 billion in requests.

The CPUC’s latest round of Last Mile Federal Funding Account grants continues a series of funding initiatives that underscore the state’s commitment of Broadband For All. To date, the CPUC has allocated a total of $674 million in grants across 30 counties, demonstrating significant progress in bridging the state’s digital divide.

California’s Volume Two Approval for the BEAD Program

Extending California’s commitment to broadband expansion, the CPUC is also approving the initial proposal for Volume Two of the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program, a federal initiative that delivers funding to states to finance broadband expansion projects. The program, allocated $42.45 billion under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, has made $1.86 billion in eligible funds available to California and its underserved and disadvantaged communities.

Projects to be funded through California’s BEAD Program subgrants will include broadband service deployment in unserved and underserved areas, community institution connections, residential broadband internet infrastructure build out and other related initiatives.

After approving olume Two and its initial proposal, CPUC will seek final approval from the BEAD Program’s governing agency, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), before funding can be released to the state. Once funding is secured, CPUC will open subgrant opportunities for broadband expansion throughout the state.

Application deadlines for communities and organizations looking to apply for BEAD program state subgrants will be announced by the CPUC’s Communications Divisions Staff, after the NTIA approves the final eligibility map.

The CPUC is investing billions into programs addressing the digital divide in the state. Including the Last Mile Federal Funding Account and the BEAD Program subgrant opportunities, CPUC is furthering its efforts in connecting Californians with reliable and affordable high-speed internet.

Future application windows for additional funding will be announced as resources become available for the programs.

Photo by Jordan Harrison on Unsplash