Broadband for All Monthly Update
In this edition
Broadband for All Update
February 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 Cost-effective Progress on Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative
California made another significant advancement toward broadband connectivity in every corner of the state with its first middle-mile joint-build agreement. The California Department of Technology (CDT) and Arcadian Infracom are partnering to construct 306 miles of the state’s open access network through urban and rural areas between Los Angeles and Needles.
A “joint-build” allows private companies to partner with the state on the middle-mile network, and take advantage of streamlined permitting opportunities made possible by Senate Bill 156. The state benefits by sharing construction costs with industry partners that are ready to begin work immediately. Read more here.
Last Mile Broadband Programs
Federal Funding Account
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) released a first draft of its broadband availability map for the Last-Mile Federal Funding Account. In response to feedback from stakeholders and the public regarding the data used to generate the map, the CPUC will update the broadband availability data set with more current information in the coming weeks and will also incorporate additional information about the socioeconomic vulnerability of unserved locations. The first draft of the map is available as an archived version on the CPUC website for informational purposes only, as the CPUC will only use the forthcoming updated version of the map for evaluating applications.
The CPUC continues to anticipate opening the first application window in June 2023. More information on the Last Mile Federal Funding Account, including the program rules the CPUC will use to evaluate applications, is available here.
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment
The CPUC also approved an Order Instituting Rulemaking (OIR) at its February 23, 2023 voting meeting to develop rules determining grant funding, eligibility, and compliance for funds distributed to California under the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021.
Broadband Adoption and Affordable Connectivity Plan Update
State and local entities are working together to increase affordability and adoption of home internet service by promoting existing low-cost internet plans and creating awareness of the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) that helps low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet.
As a result of these efforts, California leads the nation with 1,924,880 enrolled households for the Affordable Connectivity program through February 27, 2023.
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 Planning Process
Outcome Area Working Groups kicked-off in February
The week of February 14-17, the California Department of Technology hosted six Outcome Area Working Group meetings to discuss Digital Equity as it pertained to Education, Health, Digital Literacy and Inclusion, Workforce and Economic Development, Essential Services-Accessibility-Civic Engagement, and Tribal Collaboration.
Meetings began with an introduction to the State’s Digital Equity Planning process, and continued with a discussion about the definition and importance of digital equity as it related to constituents served by the organizations present.
Attendees participated in a community and lived experiences conversation, sharing their personal experiences with digital inequity, or programs and services that have allowed their communities to tackle the digital divide, while others shared anecdotal stories from community members to better understand the barriers many populations face when attempting to access an increasingly digital world.
A video recording and slide presentation for each of the working group meetings can be found on the past events page of the Broadband for All portal.
Join Us at the Upcoming March Outcome Area Working Group Meetings
Education
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
3:00 – 4:30 p.m. PST
Digital Literacy & Inclusion
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. PST
Workforce and Economic Development
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
1:00 – 2:30 p.m. PST
Health
Thursday, March 16, 2023
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. PST
Essential Services, Accessibility, and Civic Engagement
Thursday, March 16, 2023
1:00 – 2:30 p.m. PST
Tribal Collaboration
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
2:00 – 3:30 p.m. PST
Upcoming Meetings
Middle Mile Advisory Council Meeting
April 21, 2023
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Meeting Link and Agenda will be available here.
California Broadband Council Meeting
April 26, 2023
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Meeting Link and Agenda will be available here.
Statewide Planning Group Meeting
April 26, 2023
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Registration will be available here.
Outcome Area Working Group Meetings
- Education: March 14, May 16, June 13
- Workforce & Economic Development: March 15, May 17, June 14
- Digital Literacy & Inclusion: March 15, May 17, June 14
- Health: March 16, May 18, June 15
- Essential Services, Accessibility, & Civic Engagement: March 16, May 18, June 15
- Tribal Collaboration: March 21, May 16, June 6
Registration links will be available on Broadband for All Portal Events.
