Broadband for All Monthly Update
Broadband for All Update
April 2023
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.
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Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative Update
State Makes Progress in Moving Towards Construction of Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative Network
California continues to make progress in moving from planning to implementation of the MMBI network. Caltrans recently signed 5 regional contracts for construction of up to 5,200 miles of the MMBI network. These contracts use the Job Order Contracting (JOC) authority provided by the Legislature in SB 156 and allow for early mobilization of equipment and staff. As Caltrans completes preconstruction work such as permitting and design on segments of the MMBI network, these segments can be moved to construction.
Read more here.
CDT and Caltrans Ink Letter of Intent with Federal Permitting Entities
To access the approximately 1,700 miles of federal lands the MMBI network will need to cross, CDT has worked with Caltrans and federal land management agencies to develop a letter of intent committing each entity to work together to identify NEPA responsibilities within 60 days. This was finalized this past January and was signed by all relevant state and federal parties in March. While signatures were being secured, the parties have worked together to identify NEPA roles, and final documents formalizing these roles will be signed in the coming weeks.
Second Quarter Middle-Mile Advisory Committee Meeting on Friday, April 21
On April 21, the second quarterly Middle Mile Advisory Committee (MMAC) meeting was held. Find the meeting’s recording and presentation here.
Last Mile Broadband Programs
Federal Funding Account Public Map
The CPUC formally published an updated Federal Funding Account public map and accompanying information page, including a Public Map User Manual, updated Data Dictionary descriptions, and refined and reformatted Census Block data. In addition to displaying Mass Market Unserved Locations across the state, the map also now includes two layers for displaying Disadvantaged Communities and Low-Income Areas, which will be used to incorporate equity into the project scoring process. Email questions about the Public Map to: federalfundingaccount@cpuc.ca.gov.
California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Program Updates
The deadline for applications to the CASF Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account for 2023 has been extended to June 1, 2023. Check out the new Broadband Availability Map and find out how to apply here.
The CPUC awarded Broadband Adoption Account grants to fund 41 digital inclusion projects from 22 applicants that will serve 52,729 participants, with a total award amount of $11.9 million. This set of awards includes Los Angeles County’s Digital Navigator Project, a Tech Exchange project to establish a Tech Hub in San Jose serving low-income communities with broadband access, digital literacy services, and access to devices, a project by Build Hope, Inc., and the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles to upgrade computer labs and provide digital literacy classes, and Anza Electric Cooperative, which will offer digital literacy services to all residents within its service territory. More information about these and other projects approved by the CPUC can be found in the Resolution here, or on the CASF Adoption Account webpage. The CPUC is accepting additional applications for the Adoption Account now, and the current window for applications will close on July 1, 2023.
The CPUC is requesting party comments on a proposal for modifications to the Broadband Public Housing Account rules to facilitate deployment of broadband networks in low-income communities that lack access to free broadband service that meets state standards by expanding project eligibility and the scope of costs eligible for reimbursement. Parties may submit comments in Rulemaking 20-08-021 no later than May 19, 2023 and may file reply comments no later than May 29, 2023.
Local Agency Technical Assistance
Local Agency Technical Assistance (LATA) grants support Tribes and local agencies in their efforts to expand broadband service to unserved and underserved Californians. While the LATA program is currently over-subscribed in existing applications from local agencies, the program still has approximately $2.4 million available for Tribes to support pre-construction activities related to broadband expansion, such as environmental studies, network design, and engineering study expenses. Visit the LATA webpage for more information including how to apply for the remaining funds allocated to Tribes.
Broadband Adoption and Affordable Connectivity Program Update
Over 2 Million California Households Now Enrolled in ACP
The California Broadband Council, and state and local entities continue their commitment to increase affordability and adoption of home internet service by promoting low-cost internet plans and enrollment in the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This helps low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet.
As a result of these efforts, there are 2,108,983 California households enrolled in the ACP as of May 1, 2023.
ACP Tools and Resources
The California Department of Technology, the California Emerging Technology Fund, EveryoneOn, and California State University at Chico have developed the following tools to support individuals applying for these programs, organizations assisting with enrollment, outreach, and track ACP enrollment:
State Digital Equity and BEAD Planning Process Update
Statewide Digital Equity Planning Group
Over 180 attendees participated in the recent Digital Equity Statewide Planning Group (SPG) meeting on Wednesday, April 26 from 12-2 p.m. Seven Graduate Student Assistants shared digital equity barriers faced by the covered populations discussed in outcome area working group meetings and highlighted various programs and services that are working towards closing the digital divide throughout California. Other members of the Broadband and Digital Literacy team provided progress on the Digital Equity Ecosystem Mapping tool and the public surveys. SPG members provided input on the planning process and community feedback received so far.
SPG meeting’s video recording, presentation, and minutes can be found on the past events page of the Broadband for All portal.
Broadband for All, Digital Equity, and BEAD Planning Workshops
The California Department of Technology, the California Public Utilities Commission, and other state agencies and departments have partnered with regional and local organizations to host the first 9 of 20 Regional Broadband for All, Digital Equity, and BEAD Planning Workshops that will be conducted throughout the state. Thus far, workshops have been held in Merced, Fresno, San Diego, Chico, Santa Rosa, Eureka, San Jose, Sacramento, and Grass Valley. Here are short video highlights of the Merced and Fresno planning workshops created by the San Joaquin Valley Regional Broadband Consortia. Below are a few photos from the earlier workshops.
Please participate in a workshop near you. Your participation in these workshops is critical to provide input and feedback on the development of the State’s Digital Equity and BEAD Five-Year Action Plan which will inform how future federal dollars are allocated to achieve Broadband for All in your region and community.
To register for an in-person workshop in your region, please click on the links below:
Date | Time | Region (Location) | Link |
May 16 | 2pm-6pm | Inland Empire (CSU San Bernardino) | Register |
May 19 | 10am-2pm | Los Angeles (LA Trade Tech Campus) | Register |
May 20 | 9am-2:30pm | Long Beach (Veterans Park Social Hall) | Register |
May 24 | 9am-3pm | Orange County (OC, County Administration South Building) | Register |
May 30 | 12pm-5pm | Central Sierra (Tuolumne County Resilience Center) | Register |
June 1 | 11am-4:30pm | Pacific Coast (Veterans’ Memorial Community Center) | Register |
June 2 | 9am-2:30pm | Central Coast (CSU Monterey Bay, Student Center) | Register |
June 8 | 12pm-4:30pm | Bay Area (Oakstop – Broadway Event Hall) | Register |
Take the DEEM Survey to Help your Community Get Online
The Digital Equity Ecosystem Mapping (DEEM) survey and the DEEM ISP (specifically for internet service providers in California) are now live. Now is your chance to make your voice heard and to share the work your organization is doing to close California’s digital divide.
Share how your work helps empower community members access reliable broadband internet, devices and digital skills training. Put your organization on the map today.
USDA Community Connect Broadband Grant Funding Opportunity
USDA is still accepting applications for grants under the Community Connect program to build community-oriented, high-speed internet networks for people in rural areas. Recipients may use the funds to establish high-speed internet networks that will foster economic growth and deliver enhanced educational, health care and public safety benefits.
All applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 a.m. Eastern Time on June 20, 2023, to https://www.rd.usda.gov/community-connect.
Upcoming Meetings
Outcome AreaWorking Group | May 2023 | June 2023 |
Education | Tuesday, May 16 3 – 4:30pm Register here | Tuesday, June 163 – 4:30pm |
Health | Thursday, May 18 10 – 11:30am Register here | Thursday, June 15 10 – 11:30am |
Digital Literacy& Inclusion | Wednesday, May 17 11–12:30pm Register here | Wednesday, June 14 11–12:30pm |
Workforce and Economic Development | Wednesday, May 17 1:30pm – 3pm Register here | Wednesday, June 14 2pm – 3:30pm |
Essential Services, Accessibility, and Civic Engagement | Thursday, May 18 1pm – 2:30pm Register here | Thursday, June 15 1pm – 2:30pm |
Tribal Collaboration | Tuesday, May 16 10 –11:30am Register here | Tuesday, June 6 10:30am –12pm |