CPUC Approves $74 Million to Expand Broadband Access Across Rural California
SAN FRANCISCO – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today approved more than $74 million in California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) grants to expand high-speed broadband infrastructure in underserved communities across California.
The funding will support six broadband infrastructure projects in Marin, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Sonoma, counties, bringing reliable, high-speed internet service to nearly 1,800 previously unserved homes and businesses. The projects will help connect Californians to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, emergency services, and other essential online resources.
“High-speed internet is essential infrastructure for every Californian,” said CPUC President John Reynolds. “These investments will expand reliable broadband service to rural communities that have historically been left behind, while advancing California’s Broadband for All goals.”
Expanding Broadband in Rural Communities
The CPUC approved three CASF Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account resolutions totaling up to $74,095,939.
The approved projects include:
- Surfnet Communications, Inc.: Up to $33,197,090 to construct the Santa Barbara Fiber and Central Coast Fiber Broadband projects, serving 1,293 unserved locations across Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties.
- WiConduit and GigabitNow: Up to $32,398,849 for the Forestville Connect Extension, Graton Connect, and Sonoma Coast Connect Extension projects, bringing fiber broadband service to 341 unserved locations in Sonoma County.
- Hankins Information Technology: Up to $8,500,000 for the West Marin Project, providing fiber broadband service to 154 unserved locations in Bolinas, Nicasio, Point Reyes Station, Stinson Beach, and surrounding communities in Marin County.
Together, these projects will deliver fiber-optic broadband to communities where reliable internet service has historically been unavailable or limited. Residents will gain improved access to telehealth, online education, remote work opportunities, public services, and emergency communications.
Several of the projects will also serve communities located within or near high fire-threat areas, improving communication resilience during emergencies through more reliable broadband infrastructure.
The approved projects also include affordable broadband service options for qualifying low-income households expected to participate in the CPUC’s California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot upon project completion.
“Today’s $74 million in CASF grant awards will bring fast and reliable communications to several rural communities threatened by wildfire that require reliable and affordable service,” said Commissioner Darcie L. Houck. “These grants invest in the networks of several local and regional ISPs, expand broadband options for low-income communities, and bring us closer to closing the digital divide.”
Program Background
The CASF supports broadband deployment in unserved communities across California by helping fund infrastructure projects that bring reliable, high-speed internet service to locations where broadband access is limited or unavailable.
To date, the CPUC has awarded more than $141 million for 14 projects from the October 31, 2025, CASF Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account application cycle.
Today’s actions continue California’s Broadband for All initiative by supporting locally driven projects that expand connectivity while strengthening economic opportunity, public safety, and digital access in rural and tribal communities.
More Information
- Proposal Approved (T-17916)
- Proposal Approved (T-17915)
- Proposal Approved (T-17929)
- California Advanced Services Fund
- California Advanced Services Fund Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account
- CPUC Broadband Implementation
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About the California Public Utilities Commission
The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. Visit www.cpuc.ca.gov for more information.