Broadband for All Update
January 2026
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.
Subscribe to get monthly updates for Broadband in California.
Community Spotlight
NTIA awards $1M in Equitable Distribution Funding to California Tribes to Advance Tribal Broadband Access
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has awarded a portion of its recent $6.5 million in Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program Equitable Distribution funding to support broadband access projects in California Tribal communities. These investments aim to help bridge the digital divide on Tribal lands and lay groundwork for improved internet infrastructure and connectivity.
Among the nine recommended awardees, two California tribes received funding: the Barona Group of the Capitan Grande Band of Mission Indians was granted $500,000 to help facilitate access to affordable broadband services for its community, and the Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel also received $500,000 to develop engineering plans and permitting analysis for a future Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) broadband project.
For more information, visit NTIA Press Release.
CHIRLA designs a community led internet service project to support underserved Los Angeles communities
The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA), an immigrant rights organization, is engaging residents in Los Angeles’ Pico Union neighborhood to identify how lack of reliable internet access affects students’ education, families access to telehealth, and the ability to obtain immigration resources online.
The initiative aims to reach more than 2,000 residents and engage local elected leaders to ensure community input informs policy, funding decisions, and the development of a pilot ISP as a proof of concept and call to action. The initiative which is supported by a Michelson Spark Grant will help establish the Immigrant Welcome and Empowerment Center (IWEC) and a future Data Center, providing affordable high-speed internet while serving as a hub for digital literacy, civic engagement, and community empowerment.
For more information, visit Michelson 20MM Foundation webpage.
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 the California Broadband Council Meeting on January 23, 2026
The first California Broadband Council (CBC) meeting of the year 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 Review and Revision Process, Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative, and Last Mile programs. There will be a member spotlight on the California State Library and a community spotlight on San Francisco-based non-profit Dev/Mission. 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
Telecom Huts Arrive in California, Advancing Statewide Network Deployment
In December 2025, California Department of Technology (CDT) began receiving telecommunications huts which are key components of the Middle-Mile Broadband Network’s (MMBN) operation. These prefabricated, durable, climate-controlled structures house the electronics needed to operate the middle-mile network and serve as backbone support points, allowing fiber-optic routes to connect.
As of December 2025, active hut construction had begun at five unique sites in Southern California with approximately 52 additional sites expected to begin construction by March 2026. As the sites are energized, electronics will be deployed to distribute signals and support reliable network performance across long distances.
Node Installation Complete at Key Data Centers
Network node installations are an important step in building California’s MMBN. These nodes serve as key connection points that allow the statewide fiber network to connect with other networks, service providers, and the broader internet, helping prepare the MMBN to support future broadband service across California. In December 2025, CDT completed the configuration and installation of network node equipment at the Equinix Data Center in San Jose. This milestone builds on earlier node installations completed at the CoreSite Data Center in Los Angeles and reflects continued progress toward operational readiness of the middle-mile network.
Q1 2026 Middle-Mile Advisory Committee Meeting
The first quarterly Middle-Mile Advisory Committee (MMAC) meeting of the year will be held on January 16, 2026, at the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors building via Zoom.
Your participation is valued. More information about the MMAC can be found on the Meetings page.
Installation Updates
The MMBI is making significant progress across the state. Nearly 4,430 miles have been moved into installation through CDT’s joint build, IRU/lease, purchase partnerships, and Caltrans.
Here is the breakdown of updates as of December 2025:
Joint Build & Lease Highlights:
Gateway Cities Council of Governments (GCCOG) Joint Build Project: Installation work began on a ~5-mile segment in Los Angeles County along local roads in the City of La Mirada.
Vero Networks Joint Build Project: Installation work began on a ~2-mile segment in Humboldt County along the Samoa Bridge.
Last Mile Program Update
Federal Funding Account
The CPUC approved five grants on December 18, 2025, awarding up to $96 million from California’s last mile Federal Funding Account. These grants support new broadband infrastructure projects that will bring reliable, high-speed internet access to approximately 15,000 Californians across Calaveras, Orange, and Trinity counties. The CPUC may vote on Resolution T-17900 which proposes additional Federal Funding Account awards on January 15, 2026, for up to $21 million in funding in Contra Costa, Inyo, and Monterey counties. For more information, please visit:
Federal Funding Account Recommendations and Awards
California Advanced Services Fund (CASF)
Interested entities can prepare to apply to the following grant programs currently accepting applications:
- Broadband Adoption Account – July 1, 2026
- Broadband Public Housing Account – July 1, 2026
- Tribal Technical Assistance Grant Program – April 1, 2026 (quarterly windows)
The CASF Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account team is evaluating applications from the funding window that 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. The CASF Rural and Urban Regional Broadband Consortia Account is accepting grant applications until February 20, 2026. New and existing Consortia are invited to apply, including Consortia Regions that are not currently represented. An application cycle for Tribal Consortia will be announced after Tribes have had an opportunity to provide meaningful feedback to the Commission on implementation of the new Tribal Consortia at up to three regional workshops. Additional information including eligible entities and activities is available on the Consortia webpage and in the Notice of New Application Cycle for CASF Rural and Urban Regional Broadband Consortia Account Grant Funding and Information for Current Consortia (December 10, 2025).
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD)
On December 18, 2025, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) voted on Resolution T-17898 and approved for submission California’s BEAD Final Proposal to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The CPUC submitted its Final Proposal to the NTIA for its approval on December 19, 2025. 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. For more information, please visit the California BEAD Final Proposal webpage and the BEAD press release (CPUC Finalizes BEAD Plan to Secure Up to $1.86 Billion for Statewide Broadband Expansion).
Entities interested in California’s implementation of the national BEAD program are encouraged to visit the BEAD Subgrantee Selection webpage. This webpage is updated 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:
- Up to $39 reimbursement per year for new connections
- Minimum speeds of 100/20 Mbps and 1,280 GB usage per month
- Subsidies of $20/month for broadband ($30 when bundled with voice)
CPUC Informational Webinar on Mobile Broadband Services: CTF & E-Rate Programs
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will host a free webinar on discounts for Mobile Broadband Services, an alternative to fixed, wired connections, like cable or fiber, from the California Teleconnect Fund (CTF) and the Universal Services Administrative Company’s E-Rate program. Mobile Broadband Services provides internet access to eligible schools and libraries, including Wi-Fi hotspots, for lending to students. This service helps address the homework gap by enabling students without reliable home internet to complete assignments requiring digital connections.
This webinar will take place on January 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Attendees should register in advance for the webinar. Video and call-in options will be provided through email after registration.
WebEx Registration: Informational Webinar on Mobile Broadband Services
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
December 17 Digital Equity Stakeholder Meeting Recap
Attendees participated in a robust conversation about the CPUC California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot Program, progress of the Digital Equity Resource Survey, SDEP Goals – Innovative Ideas and Partnerships, and Digital Equity Resources.
If you missed this meeting, please find past meeting recordings, presentations, and minutes on Broadband for All: Past Events.
Complete the Digital Equity Resource Survey by January 12!
Time is running out! We need your input to capture detailed, up-to-date information from organizations and entities providing digital inclusion services across California. Your responses will enhance the Digital Equity Resource Finder, a vital tool that helps residents and partner organizations locate essential digital inclusion programs and services in their communities.
If your organization supports closing the digital divide, whether through internet access, computer distribution, digital skills training, or technical assistance, we need your voice. Let’s work together to ensure every community can find the resources they need.
Complete the form by January 12: Digital Equity Resource Survey
Request for Innovative Ideas: Broadband for All and State Digital Equity Plan
The California Department of Technology has issued a Request for Innovative Ideas in support of the non-deployment goals of the Broadband for All Action Plan and Statewide Digital Equity Plan.
Concept papers are due on January 23, 2026 by 12:00 PM (PT).
The complete solicitation can be found on Cal eProcure.
Next Convening: January 30, 2026, Digital Equity Community of Practice
The Digital Equity Community of Practice brings together state agencies, local governments, community organizations, libraries, and educational institutions to share insights, best practices, and strategies that advance the Broadband for All Action Plan and the California State Digital Equity Plan (SDEP).
Join us at our next meeting on January 30, 2026 at 1 p.m. via Zoom. Register for your Zoom Link.
Funding Opportunities
Broadband for All Portal Funding Finder
The funding finder tracks broadband deployment, adoption, and digital literacy funding opportunities as they become available. Find these opportunities here.
Upcoming Events
**Find materials from past events.
| Date | Time | Event | Locations and Links |
| Tuesday, January 13, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | CPUC Informational Webinar: CTF & E-Rate Programs | Register |
| 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 |
| Friday, January 30, 2026 | 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm | Digital Equity Community of Practice (Virtual) | Register on Zoom |
Job Opportunities
The California Department of Technology is hiring across many teams to support Broadband for All. Apply using the link below.
- Analyst II – Digital Capacity Grant Analyst – FFD 1/18/26
Keep an eye on CDT Broadband job postings and CPUC job postings. Visit CalCareers for more information and to apply for open positions.
