In the Field: Laying the Groundwork for Chico’s High-Speed Future
Last week, the CPUC joined the City of Chico, local leaders, and construction crews to celebrate a major milestone. Chico officially broke ground on its first city-owned fiber broadband network, marking the start of a new era for internet access in the region. This project is funded through the CPUC’s Last Mile Federal Funding Account, which supports broadband infrastructure in communities that need it most.
Group photo at the groundbreaking event
The CPUC awarded the City of Chico approximately $12.7 million in grant funding to bring high-speed internet to nearly 9,102 locations across the city. The new network will serve homes, businesses, and community hubs that have long faced barriers to reliable service. This is an example of infrastructure in action with crews rolling out fiber lines, operating heavy equipment, and preparing the city for faster, more dependable internet access.
The fiber cables being used for the groundbreaking
The CPUC’s work is about more than broadband policy. It is about real results for real people. These investments help ensure students can complete homework assignments, small businesses can reach customers online, and families can connect with healthcare, jobs, and services. The work in Chico reflects the purpose of the Last Mile Federal Funding Account program, to close the digital divide and bring internet infrastructure directly to communities.
North Valley Fiber construction workers
This groundbreaking is one of many happening across California. As the CPUC continues to support this work, we remain committed to building a future where every household has access to fast, affordable, and reliable Broadband for All.
North Valley Fiber construction worker breaking ground to install fiber
To learn more about how the Last Mile Federal Funding Account is connecting communities, visit cpuc.ca.gov/LastMile.
By Taseen Shamim, Public Information Officer