Broadband for All Update
March 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.
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Community Spotlight
CEFT Invites Stakeholders to Participate in Verizon Merger Public Benefit Agreement Implementation Listening Sessions
The California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) and Verizon Communications Inc. entered into an agreement on a Public Benefits Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in conjunction with the acquisition of Frontier Communications approved by the CPUC on January 15. CETF is holding Listening Sessions to obtain input from knowledgeable stakeholders and experienced prospective partners regarding the most effective and efficient strategies to implement the commitments and obligations. This is an opportunity for your organization to provide ideas on how you may contribute to this effort.
There will be 2 strands of Listening Sessions in March and April: (1) Thursday afternoons for Digital Inclusion; and (2) Friday afternoons for Small Business. Each Listening Session will last 2 hours and is designed for like organizations to participate together.
Please complete the registration form for the Digital Inclusion Listening Sessions and email cetf_communications@cetfund.org for the Small Business Listening Sessions.
HACLA Launches AmeriCorps Program to Combat Homelessness and Build Digital Skills
On February 5, The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) launched its first AmeriCorps program, supporting residents and training the next generation of public service leaders. Backed by $1.1 million in funding, 20 AmeriCorps members were sworn in by Mayor Karen Bass at City Hall, given the charge to help residents navigate housing challenges—from Section 8 offices to supportive housing and WorkSource Centers—connecting families to services, skills, and economic opportunities. Members will help provide digital literacy and life skills to support people transitioning into stable housing.
For more information, visit HACLA News.
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
Looking Ahead: Q2 California Broadband Council Meeting on April 24
The next California Broadband Council (CBC) meeting will take place on Friday, April 24 at the Sacramento County Administration Center and on Zoom. There will be updates on the progress of the Broadband for All Action Plan, Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative, Last Mile programs, and Adoption Initiatives.
Prepare ahead for the upcoming meeting by reviewing past recordings, presentations, and minutes in the Broadband for All: Past Events.
Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative Update
MMBN Service Catalog Pricing Now Available
The California Department of Technology (CDT) has announced that pricing is now available for 4 key services offered in the State’s Middle-Mile Broadband Network’s (MMBN) service catalog.
The four core MMBN services:
- Dedicated Internet Access (DIA)
- IP Transit
- E-Line (Ethernet Transport)
- Wavelength
Organizations interested in learning more about MMBN services or obtaining pricing details can contact the CDT Customer Solutions team at sales@CA-MMBN.net.
Installation Updates
The MMBN Team is making significant progress across the state. Over 5,200 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 February 2026:
Joint Build & Lease Highlights:
Arcadian Infracom Joint Build Project: Installation work began this month on an approximately 9-mile segment along Interstate 580 (I-580), spanning Marin and Contra Costa counties.
American Dark Fiber (ADF) Joint Build Project: Installation work began this month on an approximately 10-mile segment along State Route 17 (SR-17), including portions of adjacent local roadways within Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties.
Gateway Cities Council of Governments (GCCOG) Joint Build Project: Installation work began this month on an approximately 9-mile segment along local roads within the cities of South Gate and Montebello in Los Angeles County.
Siskiyou Telephone Company (Siskiyou Tel) Joint Build Project: Installation work began this month on an approximately 37-mile segment along State Route 96 (SR-96) in Siskiyou County.
Hut Highlights:
MMBI now has 8 huts in construction. In the month of February:
- Construction started on 2 huts in San Bernardino County.
- Construction started on 1 hut in Los Angeles County.
Last Mile Program Update
California Advanced Services Fund (CASF)
Annual Public Workshop on April 22nd
The California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) annual hybrid public workshop is planned for April 22, 2026, in-person in San Francisco and virtually. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) hosts this annual workshop to facilitate collaboration among regional consortia, stakeholders, local governments, facility-based broadband providers, and consumers. The workshop focuses strategies to providing broadband access to no less than 98 percent of California households. Visit the CASF Public Workshops webpage for updated webcast and in-person participation details.
Annual Broadband Public Feedback Survey
The CPUC invites Californians to provide information on their internet service on the Broadband Public Feedback Survey. Each year, the CPUC collects broadband availability data from internet service providers and displays it on the California Interactive Broadband Map, which shows where broadband service is available, what speeds are offered, and which providers serve each area. Learn more and participate: CPUC Invites Public Feedback on State Broadband Data and Mapping.
Recent Grants and Upcoming Opportunities
Grants to expand digital literacy training and public broadband access in communities across California with $3.29 million for 21 projects were awarded by the CPUC under the CASF Broadband Adoption program on February 26, 2026. In addition to these projects approved by CPUC Commissioner vote, the July 1, 2025 application cycle also included 92 additional projects that met ministerial review criteria and will receive up to $10.13 million in Adoption Account funding. Learn more about these impactful projects: CPUC Awards Millions to Expand Digital Literacy and Broadband Access Across California (CPUC News Release).
Three CASF grant programs have upcoming application windows. Interested entities can prepare to apply to these programs:
- Broadband Public Housing Account – July 1, 2026
- Tribal Technical Assistance Account – April 1, 2026 (quarterly windows)
- Broadband Adoption Account – July 1, 2026
Last Mile Federal Funding Account
Through the Last Mile Federal Funding Account, California has invested $1.23 billion to expand reliable broadband internet access statewide to the people and places that need it most. These California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) broadband infrastructure grants focus on rural, tribal, and low-income communities where high-speed internet has been out of reach.
Federal Funding Account broadband deployment by the numbers:
Benefitting 2 million Californians across 58 counties
- 120 projects offer an affordable plan
- 80 projects serve majority disadvantaged areas or low-income communities
- 10 projects serve tribal communities
Delivering 7,500 miles of fiber-optic cable lines via 122 last mile projects
- 37 square mile average project area
- 57 public entities and joint partnerships leading deployments
Visit the program webpage, Federal Funding Account Recommendations and Awards, to learn more about projects being constructed and communities poised for affordable high speed internet. Read more about How the CPUC Last Mile Federal Funding Account is Powering Broadband for All as California’s broadband journey continues.
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD)
California awaits updates on its BEAD Final Proposal, which the CPUC submitted to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for its review on December 19, 2025. The CPUC unanimously approved California’s BEAD Final Proposal (Resolution T-17898) for submission to the NTIA. Press release: CPUC Finalizes BEAD Plan to Secure Up to $1.86 Billion.
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.
All subgrant awards are dependent upon review, acceptance, and approval by NTIA and the CPUC continues to work with NTIA toward approval of its Final Proposal. More information is available on the California BEAD Final Proposal webpage.
Broadband Affordability Update
California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot Program
The CPUC launched the California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot Program on January 26, 2026. The technology-neutral pilot program helps lower the monthly cost of home internet service for eligible low-income households. Learn how the pilot program is Making Home Internet More Affordable for Californians by building on the experience of providing affordable voice services through California LifeLine.
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
February Digital Equity Community of Practice Meeting Recap
On February 26, the CDT Community of Practice welcomed more than 130 participants in a conversation on digital equity. CPUC staff provided an update on the California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot Program, sharing the new list of approved participating service providers. Dr. Amy Gonzales from UC Santa Barbara shared research on the importance of Large Device Ownership. President and CEO of CETF, Sunne McPeak, discussed the Public Benefits Agreement stemming from the recent merger between Verizon and Frontier Communications.
CDT provided a live demo of the revised Digital Equity Resource Finder and seeks additional feedback from partners. Other CDT presenters shared an update on the Request for Innovative Ideas and upcoming grant opportunities. Join the next Community of Practice meeting on Thursday, March 26 at 10:30 a.m. by registering on Zoom.
If you missed this meeting, please find past meeting recordings, presentations, and minutes on Broadband for All: Past Events.
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. See future calendar events.
| Date | Time | Event | Locations and Links |
| Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Digital Equity Community of Practice (Virtual) | Register on Zoom |
| Friday, April 17, 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, April 24, 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
The California Department of Technology is hiring across many teams to support Broadband for All. Apply using the link below. Keep an eye on CDT Broadband job postings and CPUC job postings. Visit CalCareers for more information and to apply for open positions.
