In this edition
- Community Spotlight
- Broadband for All Update
- Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative Update
- Last Mile Program Update
- Digital Equity and Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Updates
- Broadband Adoption Update
- State Digital Equity Plan and Capacity Grant Updates
- Funding Opportunities
- Upcoming Events
- Job Opportunities
Broadband for All Update
August 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
Destination Crenshaw Launches Broadband Workforce and Equity Initiative
Destination Crenshaw’s “Crenshaw Connected” Campaign is a six-month initiative designed to promote digital equity and create a workforce development program aimed at upskilling workers in preparation for the increased demand associated with the 2028 Olympics in the Crenshaw District of Los Angeles. The campaign will focus on improving digital access, showcasing advancements toward a more connected and empowered future in South Los Angeles, and highlighting key partners involved in the effort.
So far, over 400 devices have been distributed to local artists, entrepreneurs, and youth. With the support of the California Jobs First Catalyst Grant, the next phase will expand workforce development, enhance broadband access, and conduct a feasibility study to move forward Destination Crenshaw’s larger infrastructure project that received a $25M CPUC FFA funding award in late-2024. The Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), the California Community Foundation (CCF), and Digital Equity Los Angeles (DELA) are partnering in this initiative to establish lasting digital infrastructure and opportunities in South LA. The goal is to complete the Digital Equity Zone ahead of the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games to leave a lasting legacy for the artist, entrepreneurs, and residents in the Crenshaw District.
For more information, visit www.destinationcrenshaw.la and California Jobs First at https://lacerf.org/
EDSAFE AI Alliance releases “The Blueprint for Action: Comprehensive AI Digital Literacy for All”
The EDSAFE AI Alliance, a coalition of stakeholders across education, technology industry, philanthropy, and research, recently released “The Blueprint for Action: Comprehensive AI Digital Literacy for All,” which provides recommendations for implementing AI education for educators, institutions, policymakers, and community groups.
The Blueprint for Action: Comprehensive AI Digital Literacy for All is a national initiative urging U.S. education systems to take the lead in preparing students for an AI-driven future through strategic investments in teacher preparation, public infrastructure, and curriculum updates. As AI impacts how we learn, work, and interact, education systems must adapt quickly to equip learners with the necessary knowledge, critical thinking skills, and ethical awareness. The Blueprint highlights that AI literacy is vital for workforce readiness, economic competitiveness, democratic participation, ethical decision-making, and overall well-being. Additionally, there is a need for clear, actionable strategies to teach AI concepts, utilize AI tools effectively, and critically evaluate the ethical implications of AI systems.
To access the full article, visit www.edsafeai.org/blueprint-for-action-ai-literacy.
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
Thank you for participating in Q3 California Broadband Council Meeting
The California Broadband Council (CBC) held its third meeting of the year on Friday, July 25. We appreciate your continued engagement in helping advance broadband access and digital equity across California.
The meeting featured updates on the state’s Broadband for All Action Plan, Middle-Mile and Last-Mile projects, and the State Digital Equity Plan and State Capacity Grant Program. A highlight of the meeting was the Member Spotlight, featuring Secretary Karen Ross of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Secretary Ross shared important insights into the opportunities and challenges of advancements in Ag Tech, broadband connectivity in rural areas, and the evolving landscape of California agriculture. We also welcomed a presentation from the Director of Broadband Services at RivCoConnect, who showcased Riverside County’s Tech on Wheels initiative. The program’s strong community impact, driven by direct feedback from residents, demonstrated the power of local, innovative solutions to close the digital divide.
Meeting recordings, presentations, and minutes, can be found here.
Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative Update
Yurok Tribe Breaks Ground in Klamath with the California Department of Technology, Middle-Mile Fiber Partnership
On July 2, 2025, leaders of the Yurok Tribe and Yurok Telecommunications (YTel) joined the California Department of Technology (CDT) and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), in Klamath, to break ground on approximately 50 miles of middle-mile broadband fiber spanning Yurok ancestral lands from Klamath through Crescent City to Weitchpec.
Constructed by the 100% tribally owned YTel Corporation, the segment will interlock with joint-build projects by the Karuk and Hoopa Valley Tribes, creating a resilient, tribally driven digital corridor in the northwest corner of the state.
“Today is a day of celebration, a milestone within the tribe. We’re installing our own fiber with our own team here,” said Joseph L. James, Yurok Tribal Chairman. “We’re going to continue to build our workforce out as it’s always been the full vision of Tribal Council to provide infrastructure for our tribe.”
Figure 1: Joseph L. James, Yurok Tribal Chairman
Figure 2: Representatives from Yurok Tribe, CDT, and Yurok Telecommunications Corp. (YTEL) joining for a photo opportunity at the YTEL Groundbreaking Ceremony.
California Department of Technology Expands Partnership with American Dark Fiber
CDT took a big step toward closing the digital divide by expanding its collaboration with American Dark Fiber (ADF). Under a new agreement, ADF will install 128 state-of-the-art network electronics amplification huts — small but powerful buildings that are essential for keeping California’s growing Middle-Mile Broadband Network operating and running smoothly.
The installation of these huts is an essential next step for communities to gain access to fast, dependable internet. By enabling the backbone of California’s broadband infrastructure, CDT and ADF are helping to bridge the connectivity gap and bring high-speed internet to thousands of unserved and underserved residents.
Q3 MMBI Stakeholder Engagement Meeting
CDT held its third quarterly (Q3) MMBI Stakeholder Engagement meeting of the year on August 1, 2025. These meetings are designed for stakeholders and partners to get project updates and provide an open venue to be able to ask questions tailored to their respective interest in MMBI. For more information about these meetings, you can contact CDT by sending an email to middlemile@state.ca.gov.
Q3 Middle-Mile Advisory Committee Meeting
The Q3 Middle-Mile Advisory Committee (MMAC) meeting was held on Friday, July 18, at 10:00 am, at the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors building in Sacramento, as well as on Zoom. The Committee heard the latest updates on the MMBI from CDT and its partners at Caltrans and GoldenStateNet (GSN). CPUC also provided updates on the last-mile programs it is administering, focusing on last-mile connections to the Middle-Mile Broadband Network (MMBN).
During the meeting, CDT shared information on new partnership agreements, permitting status, its recent progress in moving to construction, and its efforts in looking ahead to operation of the network. In addition, CDT presented a video highlighting the MMBN operational timeline. We continue to value your involvement, for recordings, transcripts, and presentation go to the Meetings page of the MMAC website.
Installation Updates
The MMBI continues to make significant progress across the state. Over 4,000 miles, half of the planned network footprint, is in installation through CDT’s joint build, IRU/lease, purchase partnerships, and Caltrans. Here is the breakdown of updates as of July 2025.
Caltrans Construction Highlights:
Caltrans continues to make progress, having moved from planning to installation on approximately 224 miles of the network as projects move from pre-construction to installation. Installation started this month on an approximately 6-mile segment in San Diego County along State Route 54.
Joint Build & Lease Highlights:
Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District (HVPUD) / Hoopa Project: Installation from one of our joint-build network partners, HVPUD (covering approximately 22 miles), has started this month on an approximately 22-mile segment in Humboldt County along State Route 96.
Yurok Telecommunications (YTel) Project: Installation from one of our lease network partners, YTel (covering approximately 50 miles), has started this month on an approximately 27-mile segment in Humboldt and Del Norte counties along State Route 101.
Last Mile Program Update
California Advanced Services Fund Updates
The next application deadline for Tribal Technical Assistance Grant Program is October 1, 2025. The 2025 application deadline for the Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account is October 31, 2025; supporting information and the recording from the recent on-line webinar is available in the “Application Overview Webinars” section of the CASF Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account website. The next application deadline for Broadband Adoption Account and Broadband Public Housing Account is January 1, 2026. Find out more about the California Advanced Services Fund programs here.
Federal Funding Account
The CPUC last mile Federal Funding Account Round 2 application window in the six counties of Calaveras, Contra Costa, Inyo, Monterey, Orange, and Trinity closed on June 2, 2025. The CPUC received 72 applications, grant requests totaling approximately $600 million. More information is available on the Application Resources and 2025 Data and Public Map pages.
Digital Equity and Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Updates
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program
In compliance with NTIA’s BEAD Restructuring Policy Notice, the CPUC has updated the Prequalification and Project Applications to reflect revised federal requirements. The BEAD 2.0 Project Application (Benefit of the Bargain Round) window closed on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
The CPUC accepted BEAD 2.0 Prequalification Applications from July 11 to July 17.
To support a fair and transparent selection process, the CPUC has released an updated version of Frequently Asked Questions for the BEAD 2.0 Subgrantee Selection Process.
To assist applicants, the CPUC hosted live Office Hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 22 to 31, offering real-time guidance on the application process. See the CPUC BEAD Events page for more information.
The CPUC also hosted two webinars in July reviewing key changes to California’s BEAD program under the new federal guidance. Materials and recordings are available on the CPUC BEAD Events page.
We encourage all interested parties to stay informed by visiting our BEAD program webpage for the latest updates and resources: BEAD Subgrantee Selection.
Broadband Adoption Update
Low-Cost Offer Finder Tool
Home internet service and computing devices are critical for all individuals to reap the social and economic benefits of the digital world. The cost of both remains a barrier for many people.
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 and Capacity Grant Updates
In the wake of the federal administration’s termination of the Digital Equity Act programs, the California Digital Equity Program remains suspended until further notice. CDT will be hosting a digital equity stakeholder briefing in late summer. Please stay tuned for details.
Digital Equity Resource Finder
The Digital Equity (DE) Resource Finder tool has been developed with the digital equity practitioner network as the initial primary user. The finder has been populated with data collected during the development of the SDEP, including Digital Equity Ecosystem Mapping (DEEM) data, regional public meetings, and engagement with digital equity partners. Future iterations of this tool will be developed in partnership via ongoing work efforts of SDEP implementation. Please use this form to add your organization, update your organization’s information, or remove your organization.
For any questions, please contact the team at DEEM@state.ca.gov.
Funding Opportunities
Broadband for All Portal Funding Finder
The Office of Broadband and Digital Literacy 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 |
| Friday, October 17, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Middle-Mile Advisory Council Meeting (Hybrid) | Sacramento County Administration Center 700 H St., 1st Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814 Meeting Details |
| Friday, October 24, 2025 | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. | California Broadband Council Meeting (Hybrid) | Covered CA 1601 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815 Zoom |
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.
