The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved more than $18.2 million late last week in support of broadband infrastructure deployment, regional broadband planning efforts, and digital equity and inclusion programs to expand connectivity and digital opportunity.
The CPUC approved nearly $14.7 million in California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account funding for four fiber-optic broadband projects in rural Northern California. It also okayed $3.4 million in CASF Rural and Urban Regional Broadband Consortia grants supporting broadband planning and coordination efforts across 16 counties, and nearly $200,000 in Digital Divide Grant Program funding to expand access to technology, devices, and digital literacy training in underserved communities.
“Closing the digital divide requires a comprehensive approach that includes building broadband infrastructure, supporting local planning and partnerships, and ensuring people have the devices and skills needed to fully participate in today’s digital world,” said CPUC President John Reynolds. He said the actions “reflect California’s continued commitment to expanding broadband access and digital opportunity for communities throughout the state.”
The $14 million-plus CASF grants for projects by Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications will bring fiber-optic internet service to 460 homes in unserved communities across Lassen, Plumas, and Sierra counties. The projects will deploy fiber-to-the-home infrastructure capable of providing symmetrical internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications has committed to offering low-income broadband service options and waiving installation and connection fees for qualifying customers for five years following project completion.
The $3.4M in CASF Rural and Urban Regional Broadband Consortia grants will support six regional organizations working to expand broadband access and help advance infrastructure projects. The grants will support broadband planning, mapping, community outreach, project development, grant application assistance and infrastructure coordination. The approved consortia include: Broadband Consortium of the Pacific Coast; East Bay Broadband Consortium; E = mc² Silicon Valley Consortium; Gold Country Broadband Consortium; Inyo-Mono Broadband Consortium and Los Angeles Digital Equity Action League Consortium.
The funded activities will support local and regional partnerships among communities, local governments, internet service providers, educational institutions, and community organizations. Many of the projects will also support broadband deployment efforts associated with California’s ongoing broadband investments, including state and federal broadband programs such as the BEAD program.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief