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California Connectivity:

News from the Broadband Caseworkers

Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program Challenge Process Begins July 8, Pre- Registration is Open


California will receive $1.86 billion from the federally funded Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) grant program, which aims to get all Americans online. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is conducting outreach on the 120-day Challenge Process, which will begin on July 8, 2024. This process will determine locations and community anchor institutions that are eligible for BEAD funding in California. Visit the BEAD Challenge Process webpage for more information. 

CPUC Kicks Off Funding Recommendations for Last Mile Broadband Infrastructure Projects Across California


The Last Mile Federal Funding Account grant program aims to expand high speed internet access for underserved and unserved communities across California. The CPUC is announcing and voting on recommended grants for last mile broadband projects on a rolling basis throughout the summer and fall of 2024. The first round of proposed awards were announced on June 7 (press release) and may be on the Commission’s July 11 Voting Meeting agenda following a public comment period. The CPUC announced additional grant recommendations on June 28, which may be on the August 1, 2024 Voting Meeting. More information, including the projects proposed for awards and final awards, is available on the CPUC’s Federal Funding Account Recommendations and Awards webpage.

Resources for Building Broadband Networks Including Environmental and Safety Considerations


The CPUC Broadband Caseworkers help entities navigate California’s broadband funding and development landscape. The Resources for Broadband Projects webpage has information about permitting, right-of-way access, utility poles, environmental compliance, and safety including how internet service providers can register with the national 811 Underground Service Alert hotline (Call 8-1-1 Before You Dig information sheet). For more assistance, contact the team at Broadband.Caseworkers@cpuc.ca.gov.

Key Dates


BEAD Challenge Process – Begins July 8, 2024; Challenge Portal registration is open

Federal Funding Account – Initial proposed awards on CPUC July 11 meeting agenda

Loan Loss Reserve Fund – Next funding window in 2024 (dates to be announced)

Tribal Technical Assistance – Applications accepted by July 1, Oct 1, Jan 1, and April 1

CASF Infrastructure Grant Account – 2024 funding cycle due date to be announced

CASF Broadband Public Housing Account – Applications accepted by July 1 and Jan 1

CASF Adoption Account – Applications accepted by July 1 and Jan 1

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