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California Connectivity:

News from the Broadband Caseworkers

CPUC Awards First Round of Grants for Last Mile Broadband Infrastructure Projects Across California


The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved the first round of Last Mile Federal Funding Account awards on July 11, 2024. Five applications were awarded grants for up to ~$44.4 million in Alameda, San Francisco, and Sierra Counties (read the press release). These infrastructure investments kick off a rolling process to award funds through this year. The grants support construction of reliable affordable high speed internet access in underserved and unserved communities across California, highlighting the state’s commitment to bridging the digital divide through Broadband For All. New grant award recommendations will be rolled out approximately every two to three weeks through the end of the year. More information is available on the CPUC’s Federal Funding Account Recommendations and Awards webpage.

California’s BEAD Challenge Process is Underway!


Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) grants are a major mechanism to help close the digital divide in California and nationwide. The BEAD Challenge Phase (July 8 through August 6, 2024) is the first stage of the 120-day Challenge Process that leads to a final map of locations eligible for BEAD funding (subject to federal approval). Local and Tribal governments, nonprofits, and broadband service providers may challenge the existing BEAD map during this 30-day window, by submitting evidence through the BEAD Challege Portal where specific locations may not be accurately represented as unserved, underserved, or served. This important process will determine locations and community anchor institutions that are eligible for ~$1.86 billion BEAD funding in California. Visit the BEAD Challenge Process webpage for more information. 

Utility Poles and Permitting for Broadband Deployment


Are utility poles on your radar? Safety, rules, and installation standards are important components for deploying broadband infrastructure. Find information on these and related topics by visiting the Broadband Caseworker webpage at Resources for Broadband Projects. The CPUC Broadband Caseworker Team can be reached at BroadbandCaseworkers@cpuc.ca.gov for questions about California broadband funding and deployment.

Key Dates


BEAD Challenge Process – July 8 through August 6, 2024

Federal Funding Account – Next round of proposed awards on CPUC August 22 agenda

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

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

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

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

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