Broadband for All Update
December 2025
The California Department of Technology’s (CDT) Broadband Update provides the latest information on 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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Community Spotlight
Dev/Mission Launches its Spring 2026 Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Dev/Mission is a 501c3 Bay Area-based non-profit organization that trains young people for careers in the tech industry through post-secondary and employment pathways.
Dev/Mission is offering a free pre-apprenticeship program for young adults who reside in the Bay Area between 18-24 years of age to use tech skills in an engaging learning environment. Graduates receive a $1,100 stipend, a laptop, and access to internship opportunities.
Two upcoming information sessions will offer a look at the curriculum, introduce instructors and volunteers, and highlight post-program pathways.
Sessions occur three times per year: Spring, Summer and Fall.
Next Program Dates: February 9 to May 1, 2026
Schedule: Monday–Thursday; 4–7 PM
If you are interested, register for the Pre-Apprenticeship Program. You can also learn more about the program by reading this flyer or by watching this video.
digitalLIFT continues to expand its impact on digital inclusion in California
With 17-plus years of experience, digitalLIFT provides ready-to-use tools including digital navigator training, internet safety curriculum, train-the-trainer resources, and monthly webinars to help agencies launch or strengthen digital inclusion programs.
Since launching its capacity-building program in 2022, digitalLIFT has trained 2,501 trainers from 200 agencies nationwide, including 25% based in California. Over the past decade, it has supported 20-plus partners on 100-plus CPUC CASF Broadband Adoption projects, delivering training, resources, and devices to more than 4,700 learners.
Explore their free internet safety resources or download their free eBook.
Please send story ideas related to your work to close the digital divide and foster digital equity to digitalequity@state.ca.gov for consideration in future Broadband for All email updates.
Broadband for All Update
Join Us for the Q1 California Broadband Council Meeting
The next California Broadband Council (CBC) meeting will take place on Friday, January 23 at 9:30 a.m. at a new location in the Sacramento County Administration Center and on Zoom. Presenters will provide updates on the Broadband for All Action Plan implementation, Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative, and Last Mile programs. Find meeting details on the CBC website.
To find past meeting recordings, presentations, and minutes, access Broadband for All: Past Events.
Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative Update
CDT Releases RFP to Select an Operator for the State’s Middle-Mile Broadband Network
On October 16, 2025, CDT released a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) looking for an experienced operator to provide the maintenance and operations of the Middle-Mile Broadband Network (MMBN) under the MMBI. Qualified companies are now invited to submit detailed proposals explaining how they would maintain, operate, and support this critical network backbone for the public.
A “Proposers’ Conference” was held on October 27 to walk through the RFP, answer questions, and ensure all interested firms understood the requirements and selection process.
Vendors were able to submit their questions by November 3, and responses will be published. Full proposals must be submitted by January 9, 2026. For details and the official RFP document, click the link here.
Installation Updates
The MMBI continues to make significant progress across the state. Approximately 4,418 miles have gone to installation through CDT’s joint build, IRU/lease, purchase partnerships, and Caltrans. Here is the breakdown of updates as of November 2025:
Caltrans Construction Highlights:
Caltrans is actively installing over 253 miles of the MMBN across the state. The latest Caltrans route began installation in November on an approximately 7-mile segment in Riverside County, along State Route 74.
Joint Build & Lease Highlights:
Arcadian Joint Build Project: Our Joint Build partner, Arcadian, will install over 1,000 miles of network infrastructure along 5 different routes throughout the state. Installation started this month on an approximately 47-mile segment in Mendocino County, along State Route 101.
City of Fort Bragg: On November 11, installation kicked off on a 4-mile segment that runs along State Route 1 through the middle of the City of Fort Bragg and is forecast to be completed in Q1 of 2026. This was a great opportunity for both Fort Bragg and the State as they are actively installing their last-mile assets in parallel, which will enable the City’s ability to get fiber to homes.
Last Mile Program Update
California Advanced Services Fund (CASF)
Interested entities can prepare to apply before January 1, 2026, for the following grant programs currently accepting applications:
- Broadband Adoption Account – January 1, 2026
- Broadband Public Housing Account – January 1, 2026
- Tribal Technical Assistance Grant Program – January 1, 2026
The CASF Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account application window closed on October 31, 2025. The CPUC received 41 applications requesting approximately $424 million in funding to provide broadband internet access to over 18,000 households. Applicants, project summaries, and proposed project area maps are posted on the CASF Broadband Infrastructure Grant webpage at: CASF Applications – Project Summaries and Maps.
Federal Funding Account
California’s last mile Federal Funding Account Round 2 application window closed on June 2, 2025. Round 2 was held for the six counties of Calaveras, Contra Costa, Inyo, Monterey, Orange, and Trinity. The State received 72 applications for approximately $600 million in grant requests. The grant team is conducting a holistic review and evaluation of these applications. Proposed and awarded grants are summarized on the Federal Funding Account Recommendations and Awards webpage.
Visit the Federal Funding Account Application Resources and 2025 Data and Public Map webpages for more information.
Broadband Loan Loss Reserve Fund
California’s $50 million Broadband Loan Loss Reserve Fund expands the ability of local, nonprofit and tribal governments to finance broadband projects with an emphasis on public broadband networks (fact sheet). The program is slated to support up to $120 million in bond financing by the Golden State Connect Authority for investments in seven broadband network projects funded by the last mile Federal Funding Account grant program.
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Updates
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD)
Visit the California BEAD Final Proposal webpage to learn more about the Final Proposal. The Final Proposal builds on the previously approved Initial Proposal, modified in accordance with the BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice, and includes a list of preliminary awards to applicants selected for BEAD grant funding through the BEAD Subgrantee Selection Process.
Draft Resolution T-17898 was released for public comment on December 2, 2025. Draft Resolution T-17898 requests approval from the California Public Utilities Commission to submit California’s BEAD Final Proposal to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. This Draft Resolution is tentatively scheduled to be on the agenda at the December 18, 2025, Commission meeting.
Entities interested in California’s implementation of the national BEAD program are encouraged to visit the BEAD Subgrantee Selection webpage. This webpage is updated regularly with the latest timeline and other information. In addition, subscribe here to receive BEAD program announcements.
Broadband Affordability Update
California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot Program
The California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot Program is a three-year, technology-neutral pilot for eligible households to apply LifeLine subsidies to any internet plan that meets minimum service standards. California LifeLine has provided affordable voice service to Californians for years, and this pilot program will help close the broadband affordability gap that limits access to essential online resources. Internet providers can file to participate in the pilot and learn more on the CPUC’s LifeLine program webpage. Households will be able to learn more about eligibility and instructions on the California LifeLine webpage.
The Home Broadband Pilot Program launching in 2026 supports the following minimum service standards and subsidy amounts:
- Minimum speeds of 100/20 Mbps and 1,280 GB usage per month
- Subsidies of $20/month for broadband ($30 when bundled with voice)
- Up to $39 reimbursement per year for new connections
California LifeLine Foster Youth Program
The expanded California LifeLine Foster Youth Program improves digital inclusion and communications access for current and former foster youth statewide. Learn more about program modifications: CPUC Expands Access to Communications for California Foster Youth.
Broadband Adoption Update
Low-Cost Offer Finder Tool
To find affordable broadband service and computing devices, CDT has partnered with Everyone On to 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.
State Digital Equity Plan Updates
November 19 Digital Equity Stakeholder Meeting Recap
Our most recent Digital Equity Stakeholder meeting featured a presentation and discussion from Danna Stroud from Go-Biz on the California Jobs First program, its nexus with digital equity efforts and how stakeholders can get involved with regional initiatives. We demonstrated the Digital Equity Resource Survey and shared helpful information about resources available to ecosystem partners, including the NTIA Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program and Digital Equity Ecosystem Event Calendar.
If you missed the briefing, please find past meeting recordings, presentations, and minutes on Broadband for All: Past Events.
We are grateful for the continued engagement and look forward to seeing you at our next meeting on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 2pm via Zoom.
Call to Action Digital Inclusion Providers – Please Complete the Digital Equity Resource Survey
As demonstrated at the digital equity stakeholder meeting, we recently launched the Digital Equity Resource Survey in order to capture more granular and updated information from organizations and entities who provide digital inclusion services in communities throughout the state. The information we gather will be used to enhance the Digital Equity Resource Finder on the Broadband for All portal, a tool designed to assist partner organizations and residents with finding essential digital inclusion programs and services in their communities.
We invite organizations, nonprofits, government agencies, experts, and other working groups to close the digital divide, whether by helping people access the internet, obtain computers, or digital skills training, or providing technical support to complete the form.
Funding Opportunities
Broadband for All Portal Funding Finder
OBDL tracks funding opportunities as they become available and strives to keep the Broadband for All portal up to date with information on broadband deployment, adoption, and digital literacy planning and implementation. Find these opportunities here.
Upcoming Events
**Find materials from past events.
| Date | Time | Event | Locations and Links |
| Wednesday, December 17, 2025 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Digital Equity Stakeholder Meeting (Virtual) | Register for Zoom Link |
| Friday, January 16, 2026 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Middle-Mile Advisory Council Meeting (Hybrid) | Sacramento County Administration Center 700 H St., 1st Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814 Meeting Details |
| Friday, January 23, 2026 | 9:30 am – 11:30 am | California Broadband Council Meeting (Hybrid) | Sacramento County Administration Center 700 H St., 1st Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814 Zoom Webinar |
Job Opportunities
Keep an eye on CDT Broadband job postings and CPUC job postings. Visit CalCareers for more information and to apply for open positions.
