- April 2026
In this edition
Broadband for All Update.
April 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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Featured Story
California Department of Technology turns on first Middle-Mile Broadband Network Segment
On Thursday, April 2, Governor Gavin Newsom announced a major milestone in California’s effort to close the digital divide: the state has officially turned on the nation’s largest open-access, public broadband network — and connected its first community.
The Bishop Paiute Tribe is now the first customer of California’s Middle-Mile Broadband Network (MMBN), bringing high-speed, reliable internet to a rural and historically underserved community. Students were among the first to log on — experiencing dramatically faster speeds and new
access to education, health care, and employment opportunities. With 35% of rural Americans lacking internet access, Governor Newsom’s Broadband for All Initiative aims to bridge that divide, serving millions of Californians across all 58 counties.
Read more of this story on the Governor’s Press Release.
Community Spotlight
Reminder: CETF is hosting Verizon Merger Public Benefit Agreement Implementation Listening Sessions
The California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) and Verizon 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 hosting Listening Sessions throughout March and April to gather input from stakeholders on effective strategies for meeting these commitments. Your organization is invited to share ideas and explore ways to contribute.These sessions take place in March and April on Thursday afternoons for Digital Inclusion and on Friday afternoons for Small Business. Each Listening Session will last about two hours.
To receive a Zoom link, complete Digital Inclusion Listening Session registration form or the Small Business Listening Sessions registration form.
CalPrivacy’s Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP) Supports Californians’ Digital Privacy
Earlier this year, the California Privacy Protection Agency (CalPrivacy) launched the Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP) to provide Californians with an easy, centralized way to request deletion of their personal data from 500+ registered data brokers—helping users manage their information in an increasingly connected world. For many individuals who are newly online or increasing their digital participation, DROP offers a clear entry point to exercising privacy rights. By making complex data protection processes more accessible, DROP empowers residents to navigate the online world with confidence and control.
Learn more and get started by visiting the Delete Request and Opt-out Platform
Sacramento State and Local Partners Expanding Digital Access
Sacramento State and local partners are working to close the digital divide in the Lemon Hill neighborhood by improving access to affordable internet, devices, and digital skills.
The project trains 100 local students as Digital Navigator Interns who help residents sign up for low-cost internet programs, access devices, build digital literacy, and safely use online services for school, work, telehealth, and daily life. To support this effort, the Connecting Minority Communities Program at Sacramento State is opening a Community Engagement Lab that provides free broadband, technology, and hands-on assistance, with a second lab planned at Sacramento City College. This collaboration offers a scalable model for advancing digital equity across the Greater Sacramento region.
For more information about the program and community partners, visit: Program Details | Sacramento State
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
Middle-Mile Network Service Pricing Receives Positive Feedback
Throughout March, the CDT met with potential last mile partners across the state to discuss pricing and connectivity options for the MMBN. These discussions included more than 40 projects funded through the California Public Utilities Commission’s Federal Funding Account (FFA) program.
CDT is reviewing pricing and available connectivity options for the four core MMBN services: Dedicated Internet Access, IP Transit, E-Line, and Wavelength. The department is working to determine how these services can help last-mile providers connect communities to reliable, high-capacity broadband infrastructure.
CDT is receiving positive feedback from partners. Several FFA awardees have noted that the MMBN pricing structure aligns well with their efforts to expand broadband access in communities where affordability is essential. These potential last-mile clients of MMBN have expressed strong interest in leveraging the state’s open-access middle-mile network to support last-mile deployments.
CDT will continue engaging with FFA awardees and other partners as discussions progress toward potential service agreements and future network connectivity.
Organizations interested in learning more about MMBN services or obtaining pricing details can contact the CDT Customer Solutions team at sales@ca-mmbn.net.
Foundations Poured for Network Huts in Los Angeles Area
Construction of the MMBN is advancing with a key milestone in the Los Angeles area. Four concrete foundations were poured at network hut sites, marking an important step toward placing the huts that will support the operation of the statewide broadband network.
Network huts are small, secure buildings placed along fiber routes that house the electronics and equipment needed to operate and maintain the network. These sites serve as critical connection points that help ensure reliable data transmission across the middle-mile network.
With the foundations now in place, the next step will be the installation of the network huts themselves. Hut placement for these sites is expected to begin in April.
Installation Updates
The MiddleMile Broadband Initiative (MMBI) continues to make progress across the state. Below is a snapshot of the network’s status as of March 2026:
MMBI by the Numbers
Total network miles: 8,185
All 58 counties reached
Miles in preconstruction phase: 2,935
Miles in installation phase: 4,827
Miles Ready-to-Connect: 423
9 tribal partnerships and engagements
Breakdown of Updates as of March 2026:
Joint Build & Lease Highlights:
- Arcadian started an approximately 10-mile build in Santa Clara
- Siskiyou Telecom started an approximately 18-mile build along State Route 96 in Siskiyou County
Hut Highlights:
MMBI now has 14 huts in construction.
- As of February, 11 huts under construction in San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Monterey, and Los Angeles counties.
- In March, 3 huts started construction in Santa Barbara, Monterey, and Los Angeles counties for a total of 14 huts now in construction.
Last Mile Program Update
California Advanced Services Fund (CASF)
Participate in the Annual Public Workshop on April 22nd (Hybrid)
The CASF Annual Public Workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in San Francisco, with virtual and in-person participation options. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) hosts this annual public workshop to provide an opportunity for discussions about cost-effective strategies to expand broadband infrastructure and adoption in unserved communities across California. The workshop will be webcast at https://www.adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc/. Find more information on the CASF Public Workshops webpage.
Provide Input on the Broadband Public Feedback Survey
The CPUC invites Californians to provide feedback on their internet service — including availability, reliable speeds, and affordability — by participating in the Broadband Public Feedback Survey. This public survey complements California’s annual collection of broadband availability data from internet service providers that is displayed on the California Interactive Broadband Map to show 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. The public survey is open for ongoing participation, and you can provide feedback at any time.
Broadband Grant Opportunities and Updates
Three CASF grant programs have upcoming application windows. Interested entities can prepare to apply to these programs:
- Tribal Technical Assistance Account – July 1, 2026 (quarterly windows)
- Broadband Adoption Account – July 1, 2026
- Broadband Public Housing Account – July 1, 2026
The CPUC has postponed the CASF Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account (Infrastructure Account) 2026 application deadline from April 1, 2026, to October 1, 2026, to allow time for prospective applicants to leverage federal funding allocated to the State of California in the $1.86 billion Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program. View the complete revised schedule for the Infrastructure Account: Postponement of the Deadline for Action on Pending 2025 CASF Infrastructure Applications and 2026 CASF Infrastructure Project Application Deadline (dated March 23, 2026).
Last Mile Federal Funding Account
California has invested $1.28 billion through last mile Federal Funding Account grants to 122 broadband infrastructure projects across California. As part of California’s multi-year Broadband for All commitment, this CPUC program focuses on bringing affordable reliable broadband infrastructure directly to rural, tribal, and low-income communities where high-speed internet has been out of reach.
Federal Funding Account broadband deployment by the numbers:
- 2 million people benefitting across 58 California counties
- 120 projects offer an affordable plan
- 80 projects serve majority disadvantaged areas or low-income communities
- 10 projects serve tribal communities
- 54 grants to public entities to bolster consumer choice
- 7,500 miles of fiber-optic cable lines for 122 last mile projects
Learn more about these exciting broadband deployments and progress:
- Federal Funding Account Recommendations and Awards Presentation – Federal Funding Account Successes (March 2026)
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD)
California awaits updates from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) regarding approval of the state’s BEAD Final Proposal for awards to applicants selected through the BEAD Subgrantee Selection Process.
The CPUC submitted the Final Proposal to NTIA for its review on December 19, 2025, after it unanimously approved California’s BEAD Final Proposal (CPUC Finalizes BEAD Plan to Secure Up to $1.86 Billion) for submission to the NTIA. 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.
State Digital Equity Plan Updates
March Digital Equity Community of Practice Meeting Recap
The March Digital Equity Community of Practice welcomed over 130 participants. Updates included the California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot Program and the Provider Search – California LifeLine website, California Digital Identity Program, and the new Delete Request and Opt-Out Platform (DROP). CDT also announced the release of an enhanced Digital Equity Resource Finder, Request for Innovative Ideas, future grant opportunities and events. Register for the next Community of Practice on Thursday, April 30 at 10:30 a.m. via Zoom.
If you missed this meeting, please find past meeting recordings, presentations, and minutes on Broadband for All: Past Events.
Tools and Resources
CDT Released Updated Digital Equity Resource Finder on BB4All Portal
On March 26, CDT released an updated version of the State’s Digital Equity Resource Finder on the Broadband for All portal. The Finder includes new features that help California residents and organizations locate digital inclusion services like digital literacy training, devices, and public computer centers in their communities and neighborhoods in over 100 languages.
The updated finder was the result of a collaboration between CDT and over 200 state and local agencies, libraries, and community-based organizations to map out over 800 locations where services are available.
Explore the tool today and spread the word to your community: Digital Equity Resource Finder.
If your organization would like to add your digital inclusion services to the Finder, click on the Add Resource button at the top of the page or complete this form to submit your information.
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.
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 |
| Thursdays, March – April | 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm | California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) Digital Inclusion Listening Sessions | Digital Inclusion Listening Session registration form |
| Fridays, March – April | 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm | California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) Small Business Listening Sessions | Small Business Listening Sessions registration form |
| 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 |
| Thursday, April 30, 2026 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Digital Equity Community of Practice (Virtual) | Register on Zoom |
Job Opportunities
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.
