Closing the digital divide

Broadband for All is California’s commitment to closing the digital divide. Broadband is now essential for vital services and opportunities, but millions of Californians still lack adequate broadband service or the devices and skills to use it.

We’re connecting homes, schools, and businesses as quickly as possible to the internet.

Join us as we engage and support partners across the state to achieve Broadband for All!

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Elementary teacher and her students using laptop during computer class at school.

Broadband initiatives

A roll of orange broadband cable in front of a rural building.

Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative

The state’s open-access middle-mile network will connect regions of the state to the global internet.

In July 2021, Governor Newsom signed SB 156. This directed the California Department of Technology to develop a statewide, open-access middle-mile network. SB 156 provides $3.25 billion to build the necessary infrastructure to bring internet connectivity to homes, businesses and community institutions.

Farmer in a field of green crops using a tablet for his work.

Last-Mile and BEAD Programs

Last-mile infrastructure projects funded by CA Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) grants will bring service to people’s homes.

SB 156 included $2 billion to build last-mile infrastructure, funding for local agency technical assistance, and a loan loss reserve. The California Public Utilities Commission administers these along with a suite of existing programs that support broadband deployment, assistance, affordability, and adoption.

State digital equity plan card image.

State Digital Equity Plan

The State Digital Equity Plan (SDEP) identifies strategies to eliminate digital equity barriers for covered populations.
The SDEP will be implemented through a federal capacity grant and a sub-grant program to support the following activities:

  • Development of Local Digital Equity Plans
  • Digital Literacy Training
  • Digital Navigation Services
  • Devices Programs
  • Broadband Adoption Campaigns
  • Workforce Training Programs

Lack of broadband availability

Infographic of a chart showing that 1 in 5 Californians do not have broadband services.

This $6 billion investment will make broadband more accessible than ever before, expanding opportunity across the spectrum for students, families and businesses.

— Governor Gavin Newsom

Tools to empower communities

Upcoming events

April CalDEP Office Hours (Virtual)
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Register here

Middle-Mile Advisory Committee (Hybrid)
Friday, April 18, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Meeting Information to be Announced

California Broadband Council (Hybrid)
Friday, April 25, 2025 | 9:30 – 11:30 p.m. Zoom or CoveredCA – Tahoe Boardroom,
1601 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, Ca, 95815
Agenda

All upcoming events

All past events

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