Keaton PetersHigh-speed internet is expanding to new sections of rural California. The California Public Utilities Commission has approved $48 million in broadband infrastructure grants to expand internet access across three counties, marking the latest investment in the state’s $2 billion Last Mile Federal Funding Account program. The funding will support eight projects bringing high-speed internet to approximately 22,000 residents in predominantly disadvantaged and low-income communities.
The lack of internet access remains a critical infrastructure challenge across California, where historical underinvestment has left many communities without broadband, which is considered essential for education, work, and daily life. As remote work and digital services become increasingly prevalent, addressing these disparities has become a key priority for state officials.
The grants, approved on January 30, will fund eight projects totaling $48 million across three counties as part of California’s Broadband For All initiative to close the digital divide – with $17 million each going to Fresno County (three projects serving 13,000 residents) and Sonoma County (two projects serving 2,100 residents), plus $15 million for Lake County (three projects serving 7,000 residents).
This latest funding round follows significant recent investments by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). In December, the commission approved $225 million in grants benefiting approximately 163,000 residents across 14 counties, including Butte, San Diego and Yolo. Even more recently, the CPUC awarded another $32.5 million, with $25 million allocated to Kings County projects serving nearly 5,900 residents. Looking ahead, the program is set to receive an additional $550 million through the 2027-28 state budget, according to an article in Telecompetitor.
The Last Mile Federal Funding Account program has already made significant progress in expanding broadband access statewide. To date, the program has awarded over $1 billion in grants for projects across 51 counties, representing about half of its total funding capacity.
Established under Senate Bill 156 in 2021, the program provides grants to established internet service providers, small providers, local governments, tribes, and special districts. This approach allows for customized solutions that fit local needs and conditions.
In a press release, CPUC President Alice Reynolds highlighted the program’s broader economic impact, noting that the investments are “generating quality jobs, bolstering our economy, and building fast, reliable, and affordable broadband infrastructure.”
The CPUC maintains detailed tracking of all awards through its Federal Funding Account Recommendations and Awards webpage and an interactive awards map, allowing stakeholders to monitor the program’s progress and impact across the state.
Photo by Christina Morillo
