Dear Broadband Contacts:
Important News! The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Federal Funding Account is accepting applications for last-mile broadband infrastructure projects to connect unserved Californians with high-speed broadband services. The application window will close on September 29, 2023, at 4 p.m.
Applications will only be accepted through the CPUC’s Broadband Grant Portal, an online gateway that allows applicants to submit paperless applications, payment requests, and required reports for the Federal Funding Account. Applicants can design and save projects in the Applicant Tool, which will create a Plan ID to link applications in the Broadband Grant Portal. The Broadband Grant Portal is available at broadbandportal.cpuc.ca.gov.
Networks funded through the Federal Funding Account must be built to provide speeds of at least 100 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload. The program encourages local and tribal government participation and reflects the State’s priority of bringing affordable service to all Californians.
Background. The CPUC established the Federal Funding Account in 2022 with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, in accordance with Senate Bill 156 (Chapter 112, Statutes of 2021). The fund will provide $2 billion in grants for last-mile broadband infrastructure projects to connect unserved and underserved Californians with high-speed broadband services.
Regards,
CPUC Communications Division
Broadband Deployment Team