CPUC Approves Over $18.2 Million for Broadband Infrastructure, Regional Planning, and Digital Inclusion Projects Across California
SAN FRANCISCO – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today approved more than $18.2 million in support of broadband infrastructure deployment, regional broadband planning efforts, and digital equity and inclusion programs that will expand connectivity and digital opportunity for Californians across the state.
The CPUC approved nearly $14.7 million in California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account funding for four fiber-optic broadband projects in rural Northern California, $3.4 million in CASF Rural and Urban Regional Broadband Consortia grants supporting broadband planning and coordination efforts across 16 counties, and nearly $200,000 in Digital Divide Grant Program funding to expand access to technology, devices, and digital literacy training in underserved communities.
“Closing the digital divide requires a comprehensive approach that includes building broadband infrastructure, supporting local planning and partnerships, and ensuring people have the devices and skills needed to fully participate in today’s digital world,” said CPUC President John Reynolds. “Today’s actions reflect California’s continued commitment to expanding broadband access and digital opportunity for communities throughout the state.”
Broadband Infrastructure Investments
The CPUC approved four CASF Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account awards totaling up to $14,680,732 for projects by Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications that will bring fiber-optic internet service to 460 homes in unserved communities across Lassen, Plumas, and Sierra counties.
The projects will provide internet reliable broadband speeds, helping residents access online education, telehealth services, remote work opportunities, public services, and emergency information. Approved projects include:
- Grizzly Road-Chilcoot Project (Plumas County): Up to $4,339,234 to connect 205 unserved locations in and around Beckwourth, Chilcoot, Portola, and Vinton.
- Herlong Flats-East Milford Project (Lassen County): Up to $3,890,942 to connect 72 unserved locations in and around Herlong and Milford.
- Mohawk Meadows Project (Plumas County): Up to $3,378,259 to connect 83 unserved locations in communities including Blairsden, Greenhorn, Johnsville, Keddie, Mabie, and Whitehawk.
- Sierraville Project (Sierra County): Up to $3,072,297 to connect 100 unserved locations in and around Sierraville.
The projects will deploy fiber-to-the-home infrastructure capable of providing symmetrical internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications has committed to offering low-income broadband service options and waiving installation and connection fees for qualifying customers for five years following project completion.
Supporting Regional Broadband Planning and Coordination
The CPUC also approved today $3.4 million in CASF Rural and Urban Regional Broadband Consortia grants to support six regional organizations working to expand broadband access and help advance infrastructure projects throughout California.
The grants will support broadband planning, mapping, community outreach, project development, grant application assistance, infrastructure coordination, and other activities that help communities identify broadband needs and develop solutions to improve connectivity. The approved consortia include:
- Broadband Consortium of the Pacific Coast: $600,000 serving San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties.
- East Bay Broadband Consortium: $600,000 serving Alameda, Contra Costa, and Solano counties.
- E = mc² Silicon Valley Consortium: $400,000 serving San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties.
- Gold Country Broadband Consortium: $600,000 serving El Dorado, Nevada, Placer, and Sierra counties.
- Inyo-Mono Broadband Consortium: $600,000 serving Inyo and Mono counties.
- Los Angeles Digital Equity Action League (LA DEAL) Consortium: $600,000 serving Los Angeles County.
The funded activities will support local and regional partnerships among communities, local governments, internet service providers, educational institutions, and community organizations. Many of the projects will also support broadband deployment efforts associated with California’s ongoing broadband investments, including state and federal broadband programs such as the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.
Expanding Digital Opportunity and Skills
In addition to infrastructure and planning investments, the CPUC today approved three Digital Divide Grant Program awards totaling $199,659 to help underserved communities gain access to technology, internet resources, and digital literacy training. The funded projects are expected to directly serve more than 330 students, parents, caregivers, and community members. Approved grants include:
- Human-I-T: $99,659 to provide digital literacy support and Chromebook devices to 257 students attending the Delano and Lost Hills campuses of Wonderful College Prep Academy in Kern County.
- United We Lead Foundation: $50,000 for the Digital Empowerment for Parents and Caregivers project in Fresno County, providing digital literacy training, technical support, and laptop devices to 50 low-income parents and caregivers.
- Education and Leadership Foundation: $50,000 to provide computer literacy and cybersecurity training to 25 adult learners in the Central Valley, including access to laptops, wireless internet hotspots, and digital skills instruction.
The CPUC also approved a streamlined ministerial review process for qualifying future Digital Divide Grant Program applications. The new process is intended to reduce administrative delays and allow approved projects to begin serving communities more quickly while maintaining program oversight and accountability.
“Our actions today represent another important step toward achieving Broadband for All by expanding broadband access, digital literacy, and connectivity for communities across California,” said CPUC Commissioner Darcie L. Houck. “The award to Plumas-Sierra Telecom will help serve rural, low-income, and fire-prone communities, strengthening access to critical services and emergency communications, and the Broadband Consortia awards will better connect the CPUC to the local governments, small businesses, and community-based organizations that use our broadband programs. I am pleased to see two new Consortia that will play an important role in improving service for customers. Additionally, the Digital Divide grants approved today are another step towards ensuring the communities who have been most severely impacted by the digital divide are truly able to access the benefits of digital connectivity.”
Background on Programs
- The CASF supports broadband deployment and adoption efforts throughout California through a range of programs that fund broadband infrastructure construction, regional planning and coordination, and initiatives that help connect unserved and underserved communities.
- The CASF Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account supports projects that bring broadband service to areas where internet service is unavailable or inadequate, while the Rural and Urban Regional Broadband Consortia Grant Account supports local and regional organizations that help identify connectivity needs, develop projects, and coordinate broadband expansion efforts.
- The Digital Divide Grant Program supports community technology programs that help Californians gain access to devices, digital skills training, and online resources. In 2024, the CPUC made the program permanent, providing up to $200,000 annually to support digital inclusion projects throughout the state.
Together, these programs advance California’s goal of ensuring all Californians have access to reliable high-speed internet service and the tools and skills needed to fully participate in the digital economy.
###
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.