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Statewide Broadband
Welcome to the California Public Utilities Commission Statewide Broadband email list! We are excited to bring you news, updates, and information on funding opportunities for closing the digital divide.
Events
The CPUC held a Local Agency Technical Assistance Webinar on August 2, 2022, that introduced the program and highlighted eligibility requirements, acceptable uses, and the application process. You may watch the recorded webinar and view the presentation slides below.

Recording of the webinar: Click here (via YouTube)
Slideshow from the presentation: Click here (PDF download)
Broadband Implementation Programs
Local Agency Technical Assistance

  • A $50 million grant program to reimburse eligible local governments and Tribal entities for pre-project costs associated with work that facilitates broadband network deployment projects to communities lacking sufficient Internet.
  • Local government agencies and tribes are eligible to apply. Applications are now open.
  • Please direct questions to Broadband.TechAssit@cpuc.ca.gov
  • Please visit the web link below to learn more about how to apply.


Last Mile Federal Funding Account

  • The Broadband Infrastructure Package includes $2 billion to build last mile infrastructure to provide Californians with access to high-speed broadband service.
  • The CPUC issued Decision 22-04-055 and Appendix A, setting the Federal Funding Account rules and guidelines for interested applicants.





Loan Loss Reserve Fund

  • A $750 million Broadband Loan Loss Reserve Fund supports costs related to the financing of local broadband infrastructure development. The reserve fund expands local government and non profit ability to secure financing for building last-mile projects, with an emphasis on public broadband networks.
  • A staff proposal for implementing this fund, including a request for public comments, is planned in August 2022.

Open-Access Middle Mile Network

  • The State of California will acquire, build, maintain and operate an essential open-access statewide “middle-mile” network, which is overseen by the California Department of Technology.
  • The California Public Utilities Commission has provided middle-mile locations and analysis to the California Department of Technology.

Open Proceedings
  • The Open-Access Middle-Mile and Last Mile Federal Funding Account are part of the Broadband Infrastructure Deployment Proceeding Rulemaking 20-09-001.
  • Local Agency Technical Assistance and the Loan Loss Reserve Fund are part of the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Rulemaking 20-08-021
  • If you would like to learn more about how to participate in these proceedings, please visit the California Public Utilities Commission's Public Advisor's Office website here.