Broadband Access - Real People, Real Impact
Featured Story
When the Equal Access Summits to the Sea project began construction, it marked a turning point for Santa Cruz County communities that have long struggled with unreliable internet access. For Cruzio customers living in rural and mountainous areas, this project is changing daily life due to support from the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) California Advanced Services Fund Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account (CASF).
Carlisle Landel and Cap Pennell are two Cruzio customers whose experiences show what better internet access truly means on the ground.
Staying Connected in Everyday Life
Carlisle Landel
For Carlisle, improved internet access makes everyday essentials easier and more reliable.
As Carlisle explains, “For us, it just gave another mode of access. A cheaper and faster mode of access than what we could have before.”
From banking and paying bills to reading the news and connecting with friends, Carlisle describes how nearly everything depends on being online. In his area, cell service is unreliable, making internet-based calling especially important.
“Our cellular access here is actually very bad. So having voice over internet is a tremendous advantage,” said Carlisle.
Less Frustration, More Reliability
Cap Pennell
Cap noticed the difference right away. “I have improved internet access in my home, and it works very well,” said Cap. “No more glitching on videos or other signs of a slow internet.”
After years of relying on slower service that barely worked, the upgrade brought comfort, consistency, and fewer interruptions.
A Broader Impact
Carlisle and Cap represent just two of the many Cruzio customers who will benefit from this project. The Equal Access Summits to the Sea network is supported by the CASF Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account, a statewide program administered by the CPUC.
CASF provides grants to help build broadband infrastructure in communities that lack reliable, high-speed internet. The program helps fund the construction of networks in rural, hard-to-reach, or historically underserved areas where private providers often cannot invest on their own. Funding can cover major construction costs, making projects like Cruzio’s possible and helping close the digital divide across the state.
With support from CASF, Cruzio will connect 759 previously unserved households across four counties. These stories show that broadband access is not just about faster service. It is about connection, opportunity, and ensuring all Californians can fully participate in modern life.
If you are a provider, tribe, cooperative, or local government interested in applying for CASF funding, you can learn more about eligibility, application steps, and upcoming opportunities at the CPUC’s CASF Infrastructure Grant webpage.
By Taseen Shamim, Public Information Officer