Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative Update

The Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative (MMBI) is the first step to creating an open-access, middle-mile network that will build the fiber infrastructure to establish a reliable and resilient system to improve connectivity.

With more than 8,300 miles of the middle-mile network under contract, the MMBI team released two essential steps to round out the statewide network. A second request for Innovative Ideas (RFI2) is asking potential partners to bring their best and brightest ideas forward for building, managing, and operating this nation’s largest broadband infrastructure project. All RFI2 proposals are due to CDT by 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 26. CDT also released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for network electronics to support the 10,000 miles of fiber optic cable being installed around the state.

As the state progresses into full implementation of the Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative, it does so having secured partnerships for more than 6,500 miles of the MMBI network. These include four long-term leases spanning more than 3,480 miles statewide with CVIN, Lumen, Transpacific Network, and Boldyn. These partnerships also include joint-build agreements for the construction of more than 2,610 miles of the network statewide, as well as the purchase of 435 miles of Digital 395 from the California Broadband Cooperative. One of these partners is Arcadian, which hosted a groundbreaking event in December to kick off its construction efforts on a 306-mile route that will serve the residents of eastern Los Angeles and extend to communities in Barstow and Needles. These partnerships will provide high-speed broadband service across various regions throughout the state to address the needs of numerous residents in urban, rural, mountainous, central valley, and coastal areas.

As noted previously, Caltrans also has master agreements signed for the construction of approximately 1,800 miles of the network. In December, Caltrans began construction along State Route 20 in Mendocino County, beginning near Calpella and heading east to connect communities with broadband in the Clear Lake region. Caltrans anticipates moving to construction of MMBI segment at locations throughout the state over the next year.

Please join us at the next Middle Mile Advisory Committee meeting on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 10:00 am to 11:30 am. This meeting will present a valuable opportunity for the public and stakeholders to receive the latest information regarding the Middle-Mile program. 

It will take place in-person at California Department of Energy, Rosenfeld Hearing Room (1916 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814), and virtually via Zoom. For more information, click here.  

Last Mile Program Update

Broadband Caseworkers

The CPUC’s Broadband Caseworker Team works invites local governments, Tribes, and other stakeholders to schedule a 30-minute consultation to exchange information about broadband needs and funding resources. Please visit website to learn more about the Caseworker areas of expertise. To schedule a consultation, please email the team at Broadband.Caseworkers@cpuc.ca.gov.

Federal Funding Account Updates

The California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Broadband Public Housing Account provides grants to enable free broadband for low-income residents of eligible housing communities. The CPUC continues to review 36 Broadband Public Housing grant applications from the July 2024 application cycle. On September 12, the CPUC may vote on Draft Resolution T-17836, which recommends funding up to $279,415 for two public housing infrastructure projects in San Jose and Corte Madera. The next round of applications should be submitted on or before January 1, 2025. Find out more about the program here.

Broadband Adoption Grants

Under Senate Bill 156, the CPUC established the Last-Mile Federal Funding Account with funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act. The fund provides approximately $2 billion in grants for last-mile broadband infrastructure projects to connect unserved Californians with high-speed broadband services. 

The first application window closed on September 29, 2023 and the CPUC is reviewing 484 applications, totaling $4.6 billion, including over 800 objections that were submitted, with requests to fund last-mile infrastructure projects from every county in California. This number of applicants and high demand for funding is unprecedented for a CPUC broadband program. A list of projects, applicants, requested amounts, and objections can be found here. Additional program information is summarized on the Federal Funding Account website. 

Over the coming months, the CPUC will continue to review and evaluate applications, objections, and responses to objections, and make recommendations to the Commission to award grants. Those interested can subscribe to program updates 

California Advanced Services Fund Updates

In December, the CPUC awarded $6.7 million for 21 Broadband Adoption Account grants to increase publicly available or after-school broadband access and digital literacy training programs for communities facing socioeconomic barriers. Additionally, this month, the CPUC awarded $441,374 from the Broadband Public Housing Account to build broadband networks that will offer free broadband service to 256 low-income living units.

On December 1, the CPUC also awarded $720,000 to five Tribes from the Tribal Technical Assistance Program for applications received during the October 2023 cycle.

The Tribes will use the funding to pursue broadband improvements within their communities through feasibility and market studies. Further, an Infrastructure Grant Account award was made on November 30 for $688,431 to provide high-speed internet in unincorporated rural Riverside County (Anza Connect Phase 3 Project in the low-income community of Mountain Center).  

A ruling on proposals to modify Public Housing Account and Tribal Technical Program rules and guidelines was issued in late November—opening comments were due December 8 and reply comments December 13, 2023. Although official comments from parties to the proceeding were due in December, public comments may be provided at any time by visiting the docket for the Broadband Public Housing and Tribal Technical Assistance proposals. Find general information on providing public comments at the CPUC here. 

Technical Assistance

California Tribes interested in broadband internet technical assistance can submit applications four times a year. More information is available on the Tribal Technical Assistance Program page. 

Loan Loss Reserve Program 

The CPUC will begin accepting applications to the Loan Loss Reserve Fund in March 2024. Rules and guidelines for this $750 million broadband financing program were finalized in November (fact sheet). The innovative program provides loans and assists recipients in obtaining more favorable borrowing rates and terms for infrastructure owned by a public agency, Tribal, or non-profit organization. In addition to financing in unserved areas, the Loan Loss Reserve Fund allows for financing in underserved and served communities while giving extra points to projects that benefit unserved areas. Learn more and subscribe to program updates in advance of the launch by visiting the Loan Loss Reserve Fund webpage.

Broadband Adoption Update and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Update

California Households Continue to Enroll 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, 2,903,586 California households, or 48% of all ACP-Eligible Households have enrolled in the ACP as of January 3, 2024.

ACP Tools and Resources

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: 

• Track ACP enrollment
• Search for affordable service programs by zip code ​ 
• Information and outreach materials about the Affordable Connectivity Program

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

Draft State Digital Equity Plan Public Comment Period

On Tuesday, December 12, 2023, CDT released the Draft California State Digital Equity Plan (SDEP). A 45-day Public Comment period began on the same day and will continue until January 25, 2024. You can find the draft Plan on the Broadband for All Portal. 

To further refine the draft Plan and ensure it addresses the diverse needs of all Californians, we invite you to submit public comments.

In case you missed it, CDT hosted an SDEP Informational Webinar on December 15, 2023. The video recording, presentation deck, and the minutes of the webinar have been posted here.

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program Update

The CPUC thanks public commenters on the draft Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Initial proposal, which outlines California’s proposed rules and guidelines for implementing the program. Public comments were shared during the CPUC’s public participation hearings and listening sessions. They were considered in revisions to the Initial Proposal, which was submitted to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) in late December. 

In early 2024, the CPUC will begin outreach and information sharing related to the BEAD Challenge Process to help stakeholders understand the process before it begins. During the Challenge Process, entities may submit data indicating that a broadband serviceable location should or should not be designated as served, unserved, or underserved for the purpose of BEAD funding eligibility. The CPUC will continue to share opportunities for participation in the BEAD program.

For more information, visit the CPUC’s BEAD website, California BEAD 5-Year Action Plan, and NTIA’s BEAD website.

Upcoming Events

Date	Time	Event	Locations and Links
Friday, January 19, 2024	10:00-11:30 a.m.	Middle Mile Advisory Committee Meeting (Hybrid)	CA Department of Energy, Rosenfeld Hearing Room1916 9th Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 Zoom Link
Wednesday, January 24, 2024	9:30-11:30 a.m.	California Broadband Council Meeting (Hybrid)	CoveredCA, Tahoe Board Meeting Room 1601 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95815 Zoom Link

Job Opportunities

California Department of Technology

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

• Staff Services Manager I – Broadband Adoption and Digital Literacy Manager – FFD 01/16/2024

California Public Utilities Commission.

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.  

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