Middle-Mile Program Update

Phased Approach for the Middle-Mile Network Finalized

The California Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative (MMBI) will deliver open access, high-speed, and affordable broadband to all communities in the state. In response to inflationary effects on the supply chain and labor, the MMBI team developed a plan to optimize the network’s reach to serve the maximum number of unserved and underserved communities in California.

The MMBI will be built in two phases:

Phase 1 will encompass 8,300 miles of the statewide network, serving communities in all 58 counties where 570,000 households currently lack high-speed internet access.

Phase 2 will focus on the remaining 1,700 miles of the network to close California’s digital divide. The MMBI team is exploring several funding options to complete the second phase.

The MMBI team is committed to delivering equitable, high-quality, 288-count fiber across the state by December 2026.


Last Mile Program Update

Broadband Caseworkers

The California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) Broadband Caseworker Team released the first in a series of short, stand-alone informational videos discussing business, technology, and policy topics related to broadband. The CPUC’s Broadband Caseworker team provide expertise about grants, project planning, data and mapping, business models, and regulations to community leaders and local governments needing help accessing grant programs to deploy broadband. These first videos provide overviews of Broadband Market StructureAverage Revenue Per UserTake Rates, and Churn. More videos will be posted on additional topics in the coming weeks and months.  

Federal Funding Account Updates

The CPUC continues to accept applications for the Federal Funding Account, a $2 billion grant program focused on building last-mile broadband internet infrastructure for communities without access to fast and reliable internet service. Applications will be accepted through the CPUC’s Broadband Grant Portal. The program will award grants for reliable and affordable networks to communities that need it most, particularly low-income and disadvantaged communities facing a growing Digital Divide. The program encourages Tribal and local government participation and reflects California’s priority of bringing affordable, reliable service to all Californians. More detailed information is available on the CPUC’s Application Resources webpage.

California Advanced Services Fund Updates

At its August 31, 2023 voting meeting, the CPUC approved a $1.78 million grant 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. 

The CPUC is continuing to review 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 to 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 Adoption and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Update

California reaches 2,479,137 ACP Household Enrollments

The California Broadband Council, 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, 2,479,137 California households enrolled in the ACP as of September 5, 2023. That is 42% of all ACP-Eligible Households in California.

ACP Tools and Resources

The California Department of Technology, the California Emerging Technology Fund, EveryoneOn, and California State University Chico have developed the following tools to support individuals applying for the ACP, and organizations assisting with outreach, enrollment, and tracking ACP enrollment progress: 


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

California reaches 2,479,137 ACP Household Enrollments

The California Broadband Council, 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, 2,479,137 California households enrolled in the ACP as of September 5, 2023. That is 42% of all ACP-Eligible Households in California.

ACP Tools and Resources

The California Department of Technology, the California Emerging Technology Fund, EveryoneOn, and California State University Chico have developed the following tools to support individuals applying for the ACP, and organizations assisting with outreach, enrollment, and tracking ACP enrollment progress: 


Upcoming Meetings

**Find materials from past events [here]

DateMeeting
Friday, October 20
10:00-11:30am
Middle-Mile Advisory Committee Meeting (Hybrid)
Wednesday, October 25
9:30-11:30am
California Broadband Council Meeting (Hybrid)
Wednesday, October 25
12:00-2:00pm
Statewide Digital Equity Planning Group Meeting (Virtual)


Job Opportunities

The California Department of Technology Office of Broadband and Digital Literacy (OBDL) is hiring three Associate Governmental Program Analysts and one Information Technology Specialist IIApply using the link below:

The CPUC is hiring for positions ranging from data management to engagement coordinators and will be adding more positions in the coming months to support implementation of BEAD. The CPUC is currently accepting applications for the following positions related to BEAD: 

Keep an eye on CDT Broadband job postings and CPUC job postings on CalCareers for more information and to apply for open positions once they are posted.


NTIA Announcement

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $3.5 Million in Internet for All Grants to Tribal Lands 

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program: Round Two Notice of Funding Opportunity: The Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program hosted their first set of webinars on NOFO 2; please click the link for the NOFO, recordings, and other program resources. Application window closes January 23, 2024.