Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative

The Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative is a partnership among several entities. As specified in SB 156, the California Department of Technology (CDT) and its Office of Broadband and Digital Literacy is overseeing the acquisition and management of contracts for the development, construction, maintenance and operation of the network. CDT has also retained a Third Party Administrator to construct and establish the network and has created a nine-member Middle-Mile Advisory Committee.

The middle mile is the physical fiber optic infrastructure needed to enable internet connectivity. It is made up of high-capacity fiber lines that carry large amounts of data at high speeds over long distances. An open-access network gives providers and entities access to broadband infrastructure that will allow any networks to connect on equal economic and service terms.

Background

In July 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill 156 to create an open-access middle-mile network to bring equitable high-speed broadband service to all Californians. SB 156 provides $3.25 billion to build the necessary infrastructure to bring internet connectivity to homes, businesses and community institutions. The design and construction of the middle-mile network is monitored by the Middle-Mile Advisory Committee (MMAC).

Visit the Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative for more information.