SAN FRANCISCO – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today approved $32.5 million in broadband investments for California to help close the digital divide, as follows:
- $28 million for three broadband infrastructure projects as part of the multi-year $2 billion Last Mile Federal Funding Account grant program, which expands broadband internet access for underserved and unserved communities across California.
- $4,455,792 for seven grants to support digital literacy and broadband adoption initiatives from the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Broadband Adoption Account.
Continuing to invest where it matters most
The Last Mile Federal Funding Account and CASF Broadband Adoption Account highlight the state’s commitment to bridging the digital divide through Broadband For All. Combined, these proposed projects will serve predominantly disadvantaged and low-income communities across the state.
Currently, the total amount in Federal Funding Account grants recommended and awarded is approximately $1 billion for projects in 52 counties.
Federal Funding Account grants awarded today include:
- $25 million for two Last Mile Federal Funding Account broadband infrastructure grant projects in Kings County, benefiting approximately 5,869 Californians.
- $3 million for a Last Mile Federal Funding Account broadband infrastructure grant project in Ventura County, benefiting approximately 2,377 Californians.
“We are making great strides in achieving our Broadband For All objectives,” said CPUC President Alice Reynolds. “The projects approved today highlight the state’s commitment to connecting Californians that lack access to affordable, high-quality broadband infrastructure, as well as supporting those Californians that struggle with service affordability and digital literacy.”
“I am pleased to support these grants that will build-out broadband internet service to low-income, environmental and social justice, and disadvantaged communities in Kings and Ventura Counties,” said Commissioner Darcie L. Houck. “These grants represent another step in meeting our promise to historically underfunded communities and represent one more milestone in the Federal Funding Account grant program, where we have reached $1 billion in awards. I look forward to seeing the fruits of these investments across California as we get closer to our shared goal of closing the digital divide.”
The CASF Broadband Adoption Account grants approved today fund of up to $4,455,792 to support various digital literacy and broadband adoption initiatives. These projects aim to provide digital literacy training to 4,140 participants and broadband subscriptions to 13,058 individuals in low-income, disadvantaged communities, and other communities facing socioeconomic barriers to broadband adoption. The funding will be allocated to six organizations:
- California Emerging Technology Fund
- Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission
- International Rescue Committee – Oakland
- Rural Prosperity Center
- Swords to Plowshares
- United Way of Central Eastern California
“I am excited to see these awards that total almost $4.5 million for seven projects in low-income rural and urban communities in California,” said Commissioner Darcie L. Houck. “These grants represent a perfect example of what we are trying to achieve in order to close the digital divide, especially in areas that have historic need. It is necessary to not only build broadband infrastructure, but we also have to make sure everyone is able to use it. The Adoption Account grants will achieve this goal by providing necessary support so that all Californians can fully participate in daily activities where broadband is now a necessity for work, education, and vital services.”
More information
About these programs
Established under Senate Bill 156 (2021), the CPUC’s Last Mile Federal Funding Account is fueling economic growth across rural, tribal, and urban communities statewide. Today’s approval is part of a process to award last mile broadband grants to projects in every region in the state to established internet service providers, small providers, local governments, tribes, and special districts. For a full list of recommendations and awards to date, visit the CPUC’s Federal Funding Account Recommendations and Awards webpage.
Assembly Bill 1665 was signed into law on Oct. 15, 2017, establishing the Adoption Account within the CASF program to fund broadband access in underserved communities and promote digital inclusion.
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About the California Public Utilities Commission
The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. Visit www.cpuc.ca.gov for more information.
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