Broadband for All Monthly Update
Broadband for All Update
January 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
The Middle Mile Advisory Committee met on Friday, January 20. CDT provided updates on significant progress on the broadband initiative.
Highlights include:
- Most of the 10,000-mile network is expected to be under contract by May 2023.
- CDT worked with Caltrans to go out to bid for 5 regional Job Order Contracts in October 2022 for components of the network that would be developed using standalone Caltrans construction. By January 12, Caltrans received a total of 28 submissions from 12 different contractors covering all 5 MMBI regions. Over the coming weeks, the CDT and Caltrans teams will work through the assumptions internally regarding terrain and design in evaluating the bids.
- CDT issued a bid solicitation for innovative/alternative solutions to standalone Caltrans construction. CDT received 22 Innovative Concept Papers (ICPs) from 16 different potential partners. These concept papers include opportunities for a range of solutions, including dark fiber, colocation, joint builds, lit fiber, purchase of conduit, and purchasing existing network infrastructure.
- Significant and growing engagement has been taking place with tribes, with continued outreach to municipal and regional organizations.
For the full recording, presentation, and transcripts, visit the MMBI website.
The MMAC will meet on a quarterly basis and the next meeting is scheduled for Friday April 21, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
California Public Utility Commission Last Mile Efforts
The California Public Utility Commission (CPUC) continues to accept applications for broadband grants for local agency technical assistance. Through SB 156, the CPUC established a grant program that facilitates last-mile broadband infrastructure planning for counties, cities, sovereign tribal governments, community service districts, municipal utilities districts, school districts, electrical cooperatives, and Joint Powers Authorities. The grants cover pre-construction deliverables, such as environmental permits, engineering studies, and strategic plans.
Since the application window opened in August, the CPUC has received over 116 applications worth over $52 million and approved 82 applications worth over $36 million.
Broadband for All Action Plan
On Wednesday January 25, The California Broadband Council members and other State agency partners provided progress updates of all Broadband for All initiatives, starting with a thorough walk through of the annual Action Plan review and revision process. Presenters shared ongoing coordination and collaborations between CPUC and CDT on Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and State Digital Equity Planning process.
For the full recording, presentation, and transcripts, visit the CBC website.
The CBC will meet on a quarterly basis and the next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday April 26, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Statewide Digital Equity Planning Group Holds First Meeting
The California Department of Technology is creating the state’s Digital Equity Plan. The Plan will support services to help people most in need gain affordable access to broadband internet, devices, digital literacy skills, cybersecurity measures and more.
The Statewide Planning Group includes representatives from state agencies, labor groups, community-based organizations, philanthropic and private sectors, and California residents who will help guide California’s Digital Equity Plan.
To help guide the effort, the new Statewide Digital Equity Planning Group launched its first meeting on January 25. The gathering of more than 200 partners and digital equity advocates throughout California met to receive an update on Broadband for All and Statewide Digital Equity Planning and hear feedback from community members. Thank you for the great engagement and questions throughout the meeting.
Did you miss it? Watch the Statewide Digital Equity Planning Group meeting recording.
Join the Statewide Digital Equity Planning Group
Make your voice heard. Join us at the next meeting on Wednesday April 26, 2023 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Registration will be available on Broadband for All Portal Events.
Get Involved: Join a Digital Equity Outcome Area Working Group Now
California needs everyone’s feedback to create the State Digital Equity Plan. Starting February, the California Department of Technology will convene Outcome Area Working Groups consisting of subject matter experts and practitioners for a forum on digital equity.
Each Outcome Area Working Group will focus on a specific topic and develop recommendations to promote outcomes in priority areas.
Upcoming Outcome Area Working Groups:
- Education (Tuesday Afternoons): February 14, March 14, May 16, June 13
- Workforce & Economic Development (Wednesday Afternoons): February 15, March 15, May 17, June 14
- Digital Literacy & Inclusion (Wednesday Mornings): February 15, March 15, May 17, June 14
- Health (Thursday Mornings): February 16, March 16, May 18, June 15
- Essential Services, Accessibility, & Civic Engagement (Thursday Afternoons): February 16, March 16, May 18, June 15
- Tribal Collaboration (Friday Mornings): February 17, March 17, May 19, June 16
Registration will be available on Broadband for All Portal Events.
Broadband Adoption and Affordable Connectivity Plan (ACP) 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 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 1,841,740 enrolled households for the Affordable Connectivity program through January 23, 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:
Join Our Team
Are you ready to lead? CDT’s Office of Broadband and Digital Literacy is seeking an Assistant Deputy Director (ITM I) for the planning, development & implementation of the state’s Broadband For All initiatives.
Final Filing Deadline is February 5. Apply here.
