CPUC Approves $96 Million in Last Mile Broadband Grants to Expand High-Speed Internet in Three California Counties

December 18, 2025 - 

SAN FRANCISCO – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today approved five grants totaling up to $96 million from the state’s last mile Federal Funding Account, supporting new broadband infrastructure projects that will bring reliable, high-speed internet access to nearly 15,000 Californians and connect more than 4,500 previously unserved locations.

The grants will support broadband projects across Calaveras, Orange, and Trinity Counties, helping close long-standing connectivity gaps in rural, Tribal, and underserved communities. This includes two multi-county projects serving locations in Humboldt (with Trinity) and Los Angeles (with Orange) Counties.

These grants further the over $1 billion invested to improve connectivity to more than 2 million Californians in the first round of grants completed in February 2025. The CPUC continues to invest in California communities and targets awarding one or more grants in each county in January 2026. An additional $550 million is planned for allocation to the Last Mile program in the 2027–2028 state budget.

“These investments move us closer to a future where every Californian can count on fast, affordable internet no matter where they live,” said CPUC President Alice Reynolds. “Reliable broadband is essential for education, healthcare, public safety, and economic opportunity, and today’s action continues California’s strong commitment to Broadband For All.”

What the Grants Will Do

Grant recipients include AT&T, AVX Networks, Comcast Cable, and Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District, with projects designed to provide modern broadband speeds and affordable service options. The approved projects will:

  • Expand high-speed broadband service to more than 4,500 locations that currently lack reliable service
  • Benefit an estimated 15,000 residents, including households and small businesses
  • Support community needs such as emergency communications, telehealth, remote learning, and local economic development

“These Federal Funding Account grants are an important step towards closing the digital divide for some of the most remote parts of the state, including rural, Tribal, and low-income areas,” said Commissioner Darcie L. Houck. “The benefits of these projects for work, education, public safety, and daily life will be substantial.”

What Grant Recipients Are Saying

Leaders from the organizations receiving funding highlighted how these projects will make a real difference for the communities they serve.

AT&T California (Orange County)
“We are pleased to be selected for this important project to deliver reliable, high-speed broadband connectivity to Orange County. We agree that California communities, both large and small, deserve this kind of fiber connectivity and investment, and we’re excited to continue to work with communities across the Golden State to make that happen.”

  • Susan Santana, President, AT&T California

AVX Networks (Orange and Los Angeles Counties)
“AVX Networks is thrilled to bridge the digital divide for Catalina Island and coastal North Orange County through this vital Last-Mile Federal Funding Account grant, enhancing connectivity that will transform healthcare, education, hospitality, public safety, and emergency communications like 911. This investment not only resolves persistent downtime issues but empowers mobile carriers to prioritize coverage over capacity, fostering equitable access and resilience for these underserved communities.”

  • Lance Ware, CEO, AVX Networks

Comcast Cable Communications (Calaveras County)
“The CPUC’s decision to award Comcast the Calaveras County FFA grant reinforces our commitment to closing the digital divide across Northern California. This project will accelerate our network expansion in communities in the High Sierra. We appreciate the CPUC’s partnership as we work together to advance digital equity and connect more people and businesses to what matters most.”

  • Rodrigo Lopez, Regional Senior Vice President, Comcast

Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District (Trinity and Humboldt Counties)

“Receiving this funding for the Hoopa TRAIL project is an immense honor for the Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District and a monumental step for the communities we will serve across Trinity and Humboldt Counties, empowering us to deliver reliable broadband that brings critical connectivity, economic opportunity, and reflects the Hoopa Valley Tribe’s deep pride in serving the region. The Tribe calls Hoopa the place where all trails return, and now, just as all Trinity River tributaries flow home, so too will the digital river, which we will ensure remains healthy and thriving for all who depend on it.”

  • Linnea Jackson, General Manager, Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District

About the Program

Established through Senate Bill 156, the last mile Federal Funding Account supports the construction of broadband infrastructure in communities that do not yet have access to reliable, high-speed internet. The program helps Californians access essential online services, stay connected during emergencies, and participate fully in today’s digital economy.

More Information

 

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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.

 

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