Community Spotlight

Valley Vision Launches Digital Equity Project in Sacramento 

Broadband for All Update

CDT and GO-Biz host Local Jurisdiction Broadband Permitting Webinar

This past month, CDT and GO-Biz hosted another Local Jurisdiction Broadband Permitting Webinar which brought together local jurisdictions and planning organizations to highlight the need to be prepared for the influx of state and federally funded broadband infrastructure projects that will impact local permitting entities over the coming years. The event featured a statewide panel of experts to share examples of local permitting successes and best/smart practices and locate available resources on the Broadband for All portal. This community of practice was established under the auspices of Action Item #6 in the state’s Broadband for All Action Plan, which directed CDT to explore actions to enhance permitting processes at all levels of government.  

If you missed this webinar, you may find the event artifacts here.  

Final California Broadband Council Meeting of 2024, New Meeting Location 

The fourth California Broadband Council (CBC) meeting of 2024 is Tuesday, October 22. The theme for the final meeting of the year will be “Broadband for All: A Year in Review” and will focus on updates from state agencies on Broadband for All Action Plan implementation, Middle-Mile and Last-Mile programs, Statewide Broadband Adoption and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) mobilization efforts, and the State Digital Equity Plan (SDEP), and Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) programs.  

Please note the meeting will be at a new location at the California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) Boardroom at 100 Waterfront Pl., West Sacramento, CA 95605. Members of the public may also view the meeting online via Zoom. 

Find past meeting recordings, presentations, and minutes here.  

Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative Update

California Department of Technology Partners with American Dark Fiber 

CDT announced an exciting new joint-build partnership with American Dark Fiber (ADF) to build out over 380 miles of network infrastructure as part of the State’s MMBI. These miles are spread across 13 counties in the northern and southern parts of the State and will enable more affordable and reliable broadband access for some of California’s most unserved and underserved communities. ADF was awarded through CDT’s second Request for Innovative Ideas (RFI²) solicitation and has been working with CDT to finalize the designs that meet the needs of MMBI. Initial ADF installation efforts are already underway, with several more critically needed fiber routes scheduled to break ground later this year. This partnership aims to address the digital divide and provide open-access middle mile connectivity to communities, including our digitally stranded rural and tribal communities. This aligns with the network map presented at the quarterly Middle Mile Advisory Committee (MMAC) held this past July.  

CDT Expands Partnership with CVIN 

CDT signed a lease contract amendment for approximately 160 additional miles with CVIN.  These miles run through San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Kern Counties covering several of MMBI’s critical routes that provide the backbone for the middle-mile network. This also provides an opportunity for CDT and CVIN to work together with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians in building out a portion of the network that will accelerate last-mile connectivity for the Tribe and surrounding communities. 

MMBI Virtual Stakeholder Meeting 

MMBI hosted its fourth stakeholder meeting on September 20. These meetings are designed for stakeholders and partners to get project updates and have a venue to ask questions.  

Middle-Mile Advisory Committee Meeting 

The Q4 MMAC meeting will be held on October 18 at the CalSTRS building in West Sacramento and on Zoom. We value your involvement. For more information about the MMAC, click here. 

MMBI Downloadable Fact Sheet Now Available 

Check out the downloadable PDF on MMBI’s Home page. Updated monthly, this fact sheet will offer you a quick insight into the latest status of the MMBI network development. 

Installation Updates 

The installation of the network continues across the State. Approximately 1,830 miles of MMBI network is in installation through Caltrans and CDT’s joint build and IRU/lease partnerships. Here is the breakdown of updates for September 2024: 

Caltrans Construction Highlights 

Yolo/Sacramento (Yolo/Sac): In Yolo and Sacramento Counties, installation started on Interstate I-80 in September 2024.

Lease Partnership Highlights 

CVIN Lease Project: Installation from one of our lease network partners, CVIN, now covers over 2,700 miles across California. Installation started in the latter half of this month in the following segments.  

• ~30-mile segment on State Route 33 in Fresno and Kings County.   

• ~40-mile segment along State Route 33 in Kern County. 

• ~45-mile segment traversing Kings County and Tulare County.    

Joint Build Partnership Highlights 

Vero Joint Build Project: Vero Networks, one of our joint build network partners (covering 23 miles), has also made substantial progress. Installation started this month in the following segment. 

• ~20-mile segment through Trinidad in Humboldt County. 

Last Mile Program Update

Federal Funding Account Updates

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) awarded $91 million for 10 projects in 5 counties at the September 12, 2024 public meeting. The CPUC is announcing awards and proposed awards for last mile broadband projects approximately every three weeks through the end of the year as part of the $2 billion Last Mile Federal Funding Account Grant Program. The program expands high-speed internet access for unserved communities throughout California, highlighting the state’s commitment to bridging the digital divide through Broadband for All. Information on awards and proposed awards is available on the CPUC’s Federal Funding Account Recommendations and Awards webpage.    

Loan Loss Reserve Fund 

The Loan Loss Reserve program enabling public broadband infrastructure financing $50 million budget was set by Commission Resolution T-17841 at the September 12, 2024 public meeting implementing Senate Bill 109 (Chapter 36, Statutes 2024). The Commission will award $50 million in Broadband Loan Loss Reserve funding before the end of the year. Visit the Loan Loss Reserve Fund webpage for additional information and to subscribe to announcements.  

California Advanced Services Fund Updates 

Broadband Public Housing Grants

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 is continuing to review 36 Broadband Public Housing grant applications from the July 2024 application cycle. On September 12, the CPUC approved  Resolution T-17836 that provides funding of up to $279,415 for two public housing infrastructure projects located 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 Update

Reminder: FCC Consumer Protections and Informal Complaint Process post-ACP 

To prevent loss of service, unexpected charges, or to ensure an easy transition to a new service plan or internet service provider households enrolled in the ACP are strongly encouraged to:  

• Consistently check their emails, text messages, and mail for notices from their internet company about the ACP ending and how it will impact their internet bill. 

• Contact their internet company and ask if they have a lower cost plan and/or a low-income program. When calling their internet company, have account and billing verification information.  

• Consumers can also file a complaint through the FCC’s Consumer Complaint Center at https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov about ACP billing and service issues. 

Below are some helpful links: 

• ACP Consumer Protections and Informal Complaint Process 

• FCC Consumer Complaint Center website  

Low-Cost Offer Finder

CDT has partnered with EveryoneOn to promote broadband affordability and help California residents find affordable service programs in their area by zip code. 

The low-cost offer finder tool, provides access to low-cost internet services, computer equipment, and digital skills training.

Digital Equity and Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Updates

CDT hosts Monthly Digital Equity Stakeholders Briefing / Launches Public Comment Period on Draft Digital Equity Subgrant Program Guidelines  

On September 30, CDT held a monthly stakeholder briefing to share updates on the Digital Equity Plan implementation, the status of State Digital Equity Capacity Grant, and launched the formal public comment period on the draft Digital Equity Subgrant program guidelines. 

The Capacity Subgrant program will fund statewide, regional and local entities to conduct activities that align with the State Digital Equity Plan, will be funded out of the pending $70.2 million federal State Digital Equity Capacity Grant.  

CDT developed draft guidelines with public input for the proposed Digital Equity Capacity Subgrant program. These draft guidelines have been posted on the Broadband for All portal for review and public comment.  

The 30-day public comment period began on Monday, September 30 and will conclude on Tuesday, October 29. We encourage interested parties who would like to help further shape the program to submit public comments here. 

Thank you to all who participated in this conversation. If you missed the briefing, you can find the meeting recording and materials here. 

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program Updates

NTIA approves CPUC’s BEAD Initial Proposal Volume 2

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) recently approved California’s proposed subgrantee selection rules contained in the CPUC’s Initial Proposal Volume 2, unlocking over $1.86 billion in Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program funds. At NTIA’s October 4, 2024, press conference, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson noted that “California can move their Internet for All efforts from planning to action.” Assistant Secretary Davidson congratulated the CPUC for developing a strong proposal outlining how California will connect all residents to high-speed Internet service. 

More information is available in NTIA’s press release: Biden-Harris Administration Approves California’s “Internet for All” Initial Proposal | National Telecommunications and Information Administration (ntia.gov). 

BEAD Challenge Process coming to a close

California’s 120-day BEAD Challenge Process is coming to a close. The CPUC is finalizing review and decisions for all challenges in preparation to submit the final determination to NTIA in early November. NTIA will review and validate the results for compliance before issuing final approval. After NTIA’s approval, a list of locations eligible to receive BEAD funding will be posted publicly. 

Learn more about the BEAD Challenge Process here, find webinars and events here, and subscribe to receive email updates. 

NTIA Funding Opportunities

NTIA Digital Equity Competitive Grant is now closed. 

The application period for the NTIA Digital Equity Grant program closed on September 23. This program allowed entities and coalitions to apply directly to the NTIA for grants to support digital equity activities in the state that align with the Digital Equity Plan. CDT thanks all the applicant groups who conferred with us and sought alignment. In total, over 20 applicant groups submitted applications for over $250 million dollars in total funding. Good luck.  

NTIA Opens Application Portal for Native Entities (NE) Planning and Capacity Grant Program Opened on September 25 

The goal of the NTIA’s State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program for Native Entities, including Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Entities, and Native Hawaiian Organizations, also known as the Native Entity (NE) Capacity & Planning Grant Program, is to fund initiatives that help Native communities to fully access and take advantage of the digital world. These investments can empower Native Entity communities through aiding economic development, preserving traditional practices, and facilitating inter/intra-government coordination.   

The grant application window for this program is from September 25, 2024 to February 7, 2025. For additional information about this program, go here. 

Upcoming Events

Date	Time	Event	Locations and Links
Friday,  October 18, 2024	10:00 – 11:30 a.m.	Middle-Mile Advisory Council Meeting (Hybrid)	CalSTRS Boardroom 100 Waterfront Pl. West Sacramento, CA 95605   Zoom
Tuesday,   October 22, 2024	9:30 – 11:30 a.m.	California Broadband Council Meeting (Hybrid)	CalSTRS Boardroom  100 Waterfront Pl.  West Sacramento, CA 95605 Zoom

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 III – Assistant Deputy Director – FFD 10/17/24

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