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California Broadband News

Broadband Equity Deployment and Access Program (BEAD)


We are pleased to share information on new developments in the Broadband Equity Deployment and Access (BEAD) Program, for which California was awarded $1.86 billion in federal funding to build broadband infrastructure in rural and historically underserved communities.

Volume I of the BEAD Initial Proposal focuses on rules to establish eligible funding locations via a challenge process. The CPUC published a Proposed Decision for public comment on these rules, which could be voted on as early as May 9, 2024. Please visit the BEAD Challenge Process webpage for updates as they become available and to register for webinars. You may also subscribe to program updates here.

Last Mile Federal Funding Account


The CPUC’s Last Mile Federal Funding Account provides broadband infrastructure grants to bring unserved Californians high-speed connections. The CPUC is performing holistic evaluation of the 484 grant applications from the first funding window that closed in September 2023. The funding recommendations for multiple awards will be presented for the Commission to vote, following a public comment period, starting in June. A list of proposed projects, applicants, and objections can be found in the Broadband Grant Portal. For program updates, subscribe here to the Federal Funding Account email list.

Loan Loss Reserve Fund


The Loan Loss Reserve Fund received 38 applications for approximately $450 million in credit enhancement to support $1.3 billion in broadband investments in the first application window that closed in April 2024. This new program assists local governments, Tribes, and non-profits with broadband infrastructure financing by enabling more favorable borrowing rates for bonds, loans, and letters of credit. The next application window will open in July 2024. Visit the Loan Loss Reserve Fund webpage for more information.

CASF Housing and Adoption July 1 Deadlines


The California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Broadband Public Housing Account and Broadband Adoption Account are both accepting applications by July 1, 2024, for the current funding cycle. The expanded Public Housing grants support free broadband for low-income residents of eligible housing communities. The Broadband Adoption program makes grants to increase publicly available or after-school broadband access and digital inclusion.

Broadband Caseworker Team


CPUC broadband caseworkers can be reached at Broadband.Caseworkers@cpuc.ca.gov for help navigating funding programs and preparing to apply for grants. Caseworkers share expertise with local governments, other public entities, Tribes, and new market entrants. 

Key Dates


BEAD Challenge Process – To be announced in second-third quarter 2024 

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

Tribal Technical Assistance – Apply to current cycle by July 1, 2024

CASF Broadband Public Housing Account – Apply to current cycle by July 1, 2024

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

CASF Adoption Account – Apply to current cycle by July 1, 2024

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