Digital Equity and BEAD Planning Process Update

We are pleased to report that the California Department of Technology (CDT), California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), and other state agency partners have made great progress on the State Digital Equity and BEAD Planning Process. The process has led to meaningful, bidirectional engagement with tens of thousands of residents and stakeholders in every corner of the state. Thus far we have completed:

Statewide Planning Group

Two of the four quarterly Statewide Planning Group meetings were conducted virtually in January and April, with over 430 stakeholders and members of the public attending both meetings.

Outcome Area Working Groups

Throughout February, March, May, and June, we completed five of the six Outcome Area Working Group series. Over 1,000 stakeholders and members of the public participated in all 23 meetings.

Digital Equity Surveys

We have launched multiple surveys to capture critical information from both individuals and organizations which will inform the digital equity plan.

Digital Equity Public Survey

We launched the Digital Equity Public Survey, which is available in 14 different languages with audio functions. Since launch on May 18, over 31,000 California residents have completed the Digital Equity Survey in fourteen different languages. 

CALLS TO ACTION – Digital Equity Survey and Digital Equity Ecosystem Mapping Tool

COMPLETE AND DISTRIBUTE THE DIGITAL EQUITY SURVEY 

Thank you to all who have taken and distributed the survey. Given the significant response and the ongoing outreach efforts of several entities, we are extending the deadline to July 15.

The Digital Equity Survey is intended to identify the digital equity barriers and needs of California’s residents. The survey can be taken online or via mobile phone. It is accessible in 14 different languages and includes audio functionality for limited English proficiency and limited literacy residents. Please take a few moments to complete and share the survey and use our outreach toolkit to distribute to your family, friends, constituents, clients, and customers. 

• Digital Equity Survey 
• Digital Equity Survey Outreach Toolkit for Partners  
• Overview and Instructions 
• Invitation Letter 
• Flyer
• Social Media 
• Template Article 

COMPLETE AND DISTRIBUTE THE DIGITAL EQUITY ECOSYSTEM MAPPING (DEEM) TOOL 

We are asking partners to map their digital equity work and help us develop an inventory of organizations, programs, funding, and other resources that are, or can be, leveraged to promote digital equity and support implementation of the Digital Equity Plan. Please take a moment to fill it out for your organization and encourage others in your network or community to do so as well. 

• DEEM for ISPs
• DEEM Tool
• DEEM Tool (Spanish)  
• DEEM Outreach Toolkit for Partners

Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative Update

The Middle Mile team is making significant progress in planning and developing a Statewide broadband network in California. They aim to provide reliable, high-speed internet services to millions of unserved and underserved individuals.

Middle Mile Advisory Council Meeting Returns to In-Person Meeting

The Middle Mile Advisory Council (MMAC) will conduct an in-person meeting on Friday, July 21, 2023. With the state and nation recovering from the pandemic, this meeting presents a valuable opportunity for the public and stakeholders to receive the latest information regarding the middle mile program. We encourage those who can attend do so. Find more meeting details here.

The MMBI permitting team has also diligently worked to finalize permits with state and local agencies. Two permits with local agencies have been completed in the past month, and several others are nearing completion. This progress allows the program to move forward effectively.

California Department of Technology Secures $73 Million Grant for Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative

On June 16, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced $930 million to expand middle mile high-speed Internet infrastructure across 35 states and Puerto Rico as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda. Under the Biden-Harris Administration’s Internet for All Initiative, the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program invests in projects that build regional networks that connect to national Internet networks.

CDT successfully secured $73 million from the NTIA for its statewide Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative (MMBI). Read more on CDT TechBlog.

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Last Mile Program Update

Federal Funding Account

Today, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will open its Federal Funding Account, a $2 billion grant program focused on building last-mile broadband internet infrastructure for communities without access to internet service at sufficient and reliable speeds. Applications will be accepted through the CPUC’s Broadband Grant Portal. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 29, 2023, at 4 p.m. 

The program will award grants to networks that provide reliable and affordable service to communities that need it most, particularly low income and disadvantaged communities facing a growing digital divide. Networks must be built using fiber or cable technologies to provide modern speeds of at least 100 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload. The program encourages tribal and local government participation and reflects the State’s priority of bringing affordable service to all Californians. 

The CPUC will host a live webinar to help prospective applicants learn how to apply for funds through the Federal Funding Account on Thursday, July 6 at 10 a.m., during which staff will present an overview of the program, the application process, and how to submit applications through the Broadband Grant Portal. If interested, please register for the webinar here. 

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Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Updates

On Monday June 26, the Biden-Harris Administration announced it would allocate $1.86 billion in funding to California via the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. This allocation will CPUC’s efforts to build last-mile connections to unserved locations throughout California.

The NTIA also issued a final BEAD Challenge Process Policy and model challenge process on Wednesday, June 28, providing states with additional guidance on how to design and conduct their BEAD challenge process, after soliciting and receiving comments from the CPUC and other stakeholders. The BEAD Challenge Process Policy and model challenge process are available to review here on NTIA’s website.

The CPUC currently has an open rulemaking proceeding (R.23-02-016) that will establish program rules and guidelines, in accordance with the BEAD Notice of Funding Opportunity from NTIA. The CPUC will submit a Five-Year Action Plan to NTIA for approval in August 2023. More information on the Five-Year Action Plan is available from NTIA here. 

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Broadband Adoption and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Update

More California Households Continue to Enroll in ACP

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, there are 2,226,326 California households enrolled in the ACP as of June 26, 2023. That is 38% 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: 

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

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Upcoming Events

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Job Opportunities

Join the Office of Broadband and Digital Literacy

The California Department of Technology Office of Broadband and Digital Literacy (OBDL) is hiring three Graduate Student Assistants (GSAs) to support the development of the California’s State Digital Equity Plan. Apply here.

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