The California Department of Technology’s (CDT) Broadband Update provides the latest information about the implementation of the State’s Broadband Action Plan, Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative (MMBI), and other digital equity and inclusion activities, collectively known as Broadband for All.


Broadband for All Update

The third 2024 California Broadband Council meeting will take place on July 23, at the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. and online via Zoom.

The CDT, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) will provide updates about the Broadband for All Action Plan implementation, the Middle- and Last-Mile programs, the Statewide Broadband Adoption and Affordable Connectivity Program mobilization effort, the State Digital Equity Plan, and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. 

Find past meeting materials here.


Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative Update

Stakeholder Engagement

In May 2024, CDT’s MMBI team launched its Service Provider Engagements Program to inform stakeholders about the future of the project and to better understand how stakeholders plan to interconnect with the Middle-Mile Broadband Network (MMBN). As part of the MMBI’s market research efforts, CDT invites potential MMBN customers such as local governments, Internet Service Providers, and anchor institutions, to participate in the MMBI Market Research Customer Survey. The survey is open through Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

Arcadian Groundbreaking Event in San Jose 

Arcadian hosted a groundbreaking event on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, in San Jose, to kick off its installation efforts on a 255-mile joint-build segment. This is a critical segment of the MMBI network connecting the Bay Area, North/Central Valley, and Sacramento markets to the Tahoe Basin in the Sierras. This route also provides connectivity to the segment that will serve Placerville and Pollock Pines in El Dorado County. 

Middle Mile Advisory Committee Meeting

The Q3 Middle Mile Advisory Committee (MMAC) meeting will be held on July 19 at the CalEPA building in Sacramento and can also be accessed virtually via Zoom. We continue to value your involvement and encourage you to save the date and join us at 10 a.m.

For more information about the MMAC, including upcoming or past meetings, click here

MMBI Stakeholder Meeting

On July 26, MMBI will hold its third Stakeholder Engagement Meeting. These meetings are specially designed for stakeholders and partners to get project updates and have a venue to ask questions. The July meeting is outside of the quarterly schedule to provide important and timely updates related to the MMBI. The meeting will include updates on the physical network, installation progress, new joint-build agreements, and market research being conducted with organizations interested in accessing the Middle-Mile Network in order to provide last mile service.

Installation Updates

The installation of the network continues to progress across the state. The Middle-Mile Broadband Network is rapidly advancing on a series of milestones. Over the next three months the network is anticipating as many as 21 new groundbreakings for 618 miles of fiber and/or conduit installation. These advancements underscore the state’s commitment to closing the digital divide by improving broadband connectivity for all Californians. Here is the breakdown of updates as of June.

Caltrans Highlights

Mendocino (Men)-20 Segment: Installation started on a 10-mile segment in Mendocino County along State Route 20 in late April. As of June, conduit installation, fiber pulls, splicing, and vault placement have been completed. 

Del Norte (DN)-101 Segment: Installation started on a 1-mile segment in Del Norte County along State Route 101 in November 2023. As of June, conduit installation has been completed for both the new Hunter and Panther Creek bridges.

Joint Build & Lease Highlights

Lumen Technologies Joint Build Project: Installation from one of our joint build network partners, Lumen Technologies, covers over 1,800 miles across 20 different segments in California. Of the 20, the following two segments have made significant progress in the last month. 

  • Lumen started installation on a 190-mile segment spanning Los Angeles to San Diego County in April. Fiber pulling began in June.
  • Lumen started installation on an 11-mile segment from Napa Junction to Napa County in late May. Fiber pulling began in June. 

Last Mile Program Update

Federal Funding Account Updates

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) announced awards and proposed awards for last-mile broadband projects as part of the $2 billion Last Mile Federal Funding Account Grant Program. The program expands high-speed internet access for unserved and underserved communities throughout California. More information is on the Federal Funding Account Recommendations and Awards web page.

The announcement kicks off a rolling process for issuing staff recommendations for the CPUC to vote on, after public comment, over the coming months in 2024. In addition, a small number of applications qualify for an award by letter (ministerial approval).

Sign up for Federal Funding Account program updates here, and for the “CASF Distribution List” here to receive notices about proposed grant awards. Learn more on the program website.

Loan Loss Reserve Fund

The Loan Loss Reserve Fund received more than 38 applications for over $451 million in the first application window that closed April 9, 2024. The program provides credit enhancements that support local governments, tribes, and non-profits to fund broadband infrastructure projects. The program enables more favorable borrowing rates for bonds, loans, and letters of credit.

Visit the Loan Loss Reserve Fund webpage for webinars, information sheets, application information, updates on future funding windows, and to subscribe to announcements.

California Advanced Services Fund Updates 

Broadband Public Housing Account

The California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Broadband Public Housing Account provides grants supporting free broadband for low-income residents of eligible housing communities. On June 18, the CPUC approved $334,775 to three grantees for seven projects. On June 20, the CPUC also adopted Resolution T-17824, which approved six additional public housing infrastructure projects for $596,315.97. Refer to the Broadband Public Housing Account webpage here for application instructions and materials per Decision (D.) 24-03-021, and for information about program eligibility requirements and application process. 

Tribal Technical Assistance Grants

The Tribal Technical Assistance Grant Program provides grants to California tribes for eligible pre-construction work that enables broadband internet connectivity. Tribes may receive up to $250,000 each fiscal year to fund activities including market studies, feasibility studies, and business plans. Applications are accepted four times a year by the 1st of January, April, July, and October. Find out more about the program here.

Broadband Infrastructure Grants

The CASF Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program subsidizes the cost of middle-mile and last-mile infrastructure to expand the State’s broadband network for unserved areas. On June 20, the CPUC approved three broadband infrastructure awards for approximately $40 million to serve over 2,000 households as described in Resolution T-17817Resolution T-17821, and Resolution T-17823. The 2024 application deadline has yet to be announced. Learn more about the Infrastructure Grant Account on the website and subscribe for program updates by joining the CASF Distribution List here.

Broadband Adoption Grants

The CASF Broadband Adoption Account provides grants to eligible applicants to increase publicly available or after-school broadband access and digital inclusion, such as grants for digital literacy training programs and public education to communities with limited broadband adoption. On May 7, 2024, the CPUC approved $3.5 million for 36 digital inclusion grants to 14 grantees, and $1.4 million for 12 digital inclusion grants to one grantee on June 12. On June 20, the CPUC also adopted T-17819, which approved $1.3 million for three additional grants for digital literacy projects to two grantees. Collectively, these projects will provide digital literacy training to 13,840 participants, broadband access to 11,190 participants, and increase broadband access and digital inclusion in low-income, disadvantaged communities, and other communities facing socioeconomic barriers to broadband adoption. Learn more about the Broadband Adoption Account on the website.

CPUC Broadband Caseworkers 

The CPUC’s Broadband Caseworkers engage with rural, urban, and tribal communities throughout California. Caseworkers share expertise and help entities navigate funding opportunities, technical assistance needs, and related broadband development topics. The Broadband Caseworker website provides a collection of resources. Direct questions to the team at BroadbandCaseworkers@cpuc.ca.gov.


Broadband Adoption Update

FCC issued a Consumer Protections and Informal Complaint Process post ACP

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced April 2024 was the last month households enrolled in the ACP would receive the full ACP discount. Some eligible ACP households received a partial discount in May 2024 if their provider elected to participate in the May partial reimbursement month. Effective June 1, 2024, households enrolled in the ACP will no longer receive a monthly discount on their internet service bill.

The FCC has issued an ACP Consumer Protections and Informal Complaint Process to best support households previously enrolled in the ACP. These households are encouraged to file a consumer complaint to share their experiences and contribute to federal enforcement and consumer protection efforts on a national scale. The data received from the complaints will also be used to inform the FCC on trends and track issues that matter most to consumers, including internet affordability. 

Read the ACP Consumer Protections and Informal Complaint Process document here.

Visit the FCC Consumer Complaint Center website to learn more and submit an informal complaint. 

Low-Cost Offer Finder

To promote broadband affordability, CDT provides the low-cost offer finder tool with information from EveryoneOn and CETF, as a public service to California residents. The information and services provided assist Californians with finding programs in their areas that offer low-cost internet services, computer equipment, and digital skills training. 


Digital Equity and Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Updates

Reminder: SDEP and NTIA State Digital Equity Capacity Grant NOFO Briefing Artifacts

As a reminder, on May 23, CDT engaged digital equity stakeholders about the SDEP implementation, NTIA State Digital Equity Capacity Grant NOFO, and opportunities to further collaborate and provide input on the Capacity Grant program design.

If you missed the event, the meeting recording, presentation slides, minutes, and transcript can be found here.  

SDEP Implementation and Capacity Grant Program Design Questionnaire

The SDEP Implementation and Capacity Grant Program Design Questionnaire was opened from June 18 through July 2. CDT is grateful to have received responses from various organizations throughout the state.

Feedback will be considered towards the development of various components of SDEP implementation, the overall Capacity Grant structure, and subgrant program design. CDT intends to organize more program design stakeholder opportunities this summer and release a sub-grant program proposal for formal public comment later this year.

Join CDT on Tuesday, July 30 at 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. to review the Questionnaire’s key findings and continue the discussion about SDEP Implementation and Capacity Grant Program Design. Register here.

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program Updates

California was awarded $1.86 billion in federal BEAD funding to build infrastructure and expand internet access in rural and historically underserved communities. The BEAD program is being implemented in California by the CPUC.

California’s 120-day Challenge Process begins with the 30-day Challenge Phase on July 8, 2024. The CPUC has partnered with Ready.net to provide the BEAD Challenge Portal where permissible local and tribal governments, nonprofits, and broadband service challengers can register and submit challenges. The BEAD Challenge Process allows eligible entities to challenge the existing broadband map and enables the state to submit the most updated and accurate location data for the National Telecommunication and Information Administration’s (NTIA) approval. Individuals can submit evidence through the BEAD Consumer Challenge Website which will be available to permissible challengers who registered in the Challenge Portal to accept and submit challenges on individuals’ behalf.

This process is critical to ensure the National Broadband Map used to determine BEAD funding eligibility accurately reflects California broadband access and availability by identifying if a broadband serviceable location should or should not be designated as served, unserved, or underserved.

The CPUC released the map of eligible BEAD funding locations as well as updates to the data sets of unserved locations, underserved locations, and community anchor institutions (CAIs) the week of June 24th. Please visit the Challenge Portal to submit a registration request. Learn more about the BEAD Challenge Process here and visit the BEAD webpage for general information and to subscribe to email updates. A list of events and links to register for BEAD webinars and office hours are available on the BEAD Events page.


NTIA Announcement

Prepare for the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program

NTIA announced the first Digital Equity State Capacity Grant Award to Nevada on June 26, 2024. Soon, the NTIA will announce the launch of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. Applicants should take steps now to prepare for using the resources provided here.

Learn more about the NTIA Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program


Community Spotlight

USDA Broadband Technical Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) released on Friday, June 21

The Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) program provides financial assistance through cooperative agreements to eligible entities to receive or deliver broadband technical assistance and training. The program is a great opportunity for California – six awards to California in BTA Round 1.

Last year, West Hills College received $1 million award to create a rural broadband cooperative to serve its district footprint in western Fresno County that will connect farmworker families and farm fields. This simultaneously drives digital equity and precision agriculture connectivity needs on farms and through a telehealth benefit. California’s broadband programs are an integral part of the Broadband Cooperative future development.

Applications are due by August 20, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Find out more and apply here.


Upcoming Events

DateTimeEventLocations and Links
Friday, July 19, 202410 -11:30 a.m.Middle-Mile Advisory Committee Meeting
(Hybrid)
(New location) California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), Sierra Room – 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Zoom
Tuesday, July 23, 20249:30 -11:30 a.m.California Broadband Council Meeting (Hybrid)California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), Byron Sher Auditorium – 1001 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
Zoom

Job Opportunities

California Department of Technology 

CDT is hiring across many teams to support Broadband for AllApply using the link below.

Associate Governmental Program Analyst – Digital Equity Engagement & Operations Analyst – FFD 7/21/24

Keep an eye on CDT Broadband job postings and CPUC job postings. Visit CalCareers  for more information and to apply for open positions.