CASF Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account
Program Overview
Pursuant to Public Utilities Code section 281, moneys in the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account (Infrastructure Account) are available to the Commission to award grants to subsidize the cost of middle-mile and last-mile infrastructure to expand the State’s broadband network.
Program Updates
On November 18, 2022, the CPUC issued Decision (D.) 22-11-023 modifying CASF requirements and guidelines for the Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account.
On July 20, 2021, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill (SB) 156. These changes became effective on July 20, 2021. The relevant changes to the Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account are as follows:
- "Unserved area" changed to an area where no facility-based broadband provider serves households (or areas) at a minimum speed of at least 25 mbps downstream and 3 mpbs upstream. See Public Utilities Code Section 281(b)(1)(B)(ii)(I).
- Projects funded by the CASF program must deploy infrastructure capable of providing broadband access at speeds of a minimum of 100 mbps downstream and 20 mbps upstream. See Public Utilities Code Section 281(f)(5).
- All grantees must report licensed contractor or subcontractor expenditures in excess of $25,000 for work funded by CASF. See Public Utilities Code Section 281(l)(1-2).
Application Resources
PROGRAM RULES AND GUIDELINES
Decision (D.) 22-11-023: Attachment 1 - Revised CASF Program Guidelines for the Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account
Project Development Resources
Project Development Resources - Data & Maps - Geographic and data resources for project planning and submission of infrastructure grant applications
Applying for Funds
Prospective applicants and stakeholders - please consult your local Broadband Consortium first before contacting CASF Infrastructure Staff for information.
To prepare an application for funding, follow instructions included in Attachment 1 - Revised CASF Program Guidelines of (D.) 22-11-023.
To submit a CASF Infrastructure Grant application, send an email to CASF_Application_Questions@cpuc.ca.gov to request an ftp link to upload application files.
Applications must also be submitted to surabhi.karambelkar@cpuc.ca.gov at the Public Advocates Office.
Once the proposed project has been submitted, applicants must post their public project summary to the CASF distribution list.
Additional Resources
- Application Item 2 - Applicant Information Sheet
- Application Item 8 - Proposed Project Expenditures
- Application Item 18 - CEQA Questionnaire
- Application Item 19 - Application Checklist
- Application Item 20 - Notarized Affidavit: Non-Telephone Corporations
- Application Item 20 - Notarized Affidavit: Telephone Corporations
- Grantee Consent Form (for reference only)
- Semi-Annual Progress Report
- Project Completion Report
- Decision (D.) 21-03-006 issued March 10, 2021, included Rules, Guidelines and Application Materials in Appendix A
- Decision (D.) 18-12-018 issued December 20, 2018, included Requirements, Guidelines and Application Materials in Appendix 1
- Decision 14-02-018 issued March 4, 2014, included Revised Application Requirements and Guidelines in Appendix 2
- Resolution T-17143 mailed June 17, 2008, adopted the CASF application requirements, timelines, and scoring criteria
- Decision (D.) 07-12-054 issued December 21, 2007, established initial requirements for CASF-funded projects
- Decision 07-09-020 issued September 13, 2007, proposed the initial process for administering applications for funding under CASF in Appendix 3
Mailing Instructions
Applicants may also mail a separate paper copy to:
Communications Division
Attn: California Advanced Services Fund
California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Ave., 3rd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94102
Questions?
Please contact us at CASF_Application_Questions@cpuc.ca.gov