September 14, 2023

Last week, the California Department of Technology (CDT) released a comprehensive update on the activities and programs that comprise the state’s Broadband for All initiative, including issues that CSAC has previously reported on, such as the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program and the Last Mile Federal Funding Account grant program. Broadband for All includes a wide variety of resources, partnerships, and programs to improve digital connectivity across the state.

If you haven’t subscribed yet, county IT Directors and other interested staff can stay connected to developments and announcements regarding Broadband for All programs and other technology initiatives by subscribing to the CDT Connect newsletter. The complete CDT Connect August 2023 Broadband Update is available here.

For your convenience, an abbreviated list of key updates from the CDT Connect bulletin is shared below:

CPUC Awards CASF Funds

In late August, the CPUC approved nearly $2 million in grant funding from the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Line Extension Program to South Valley Internet to fund the Southside Road Project in San Benito County, which will provide 1 gigabit per second symmetrical speeds to residents of Southside Road Labor Camp, Hollister Migrant Housing Center, and Southside Mobile Park, transforming connectivity for 194 households. 

Other Programs

The CPUC is reviewing recent applications for the Broadband Adoption Account, which received 91 applications for nearly $15 million for broadband access and digital inclusion, the Broadband Public Housing Account, which received 14 applications to build broadband networks offering free broadband service for residents of low-income communities, and the Infrastructure Grant Account, which received 74 applications for approximately $527 million for middle-mile and last-mile infrastructure. 

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Planning Update

In June, the United States Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that California will receive $1.86 billion for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program authorized via the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The BEAD funding will be used to deploy or upgrade broadband networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable, affordable, high-speed Internet service. In August, the CPUC submitted California’s high-level BEAD Five-Year Action Plan to the NTIA, as requirement to participate in the BEAD program. The Plan outlines California’s needs, priorities, and existing programs for closing the digital divide. The forthcoming Initial Proposal will establish detailed program rules according to federal requirements and guidelines. A draft version of the Initial Proposal is anticipated in late October, and the CPUC has communicated plans to conduct multiple forms of engagement to solicit input on the Initial Proposal in the coming months.

Be sure to read the full CDT Connect newsletter for important updates about the Affordable Connectivity Program and upcoming meetings and events.