Connecting California: How CPUC Programs Help Bring High-Speed Internet to Rural Communities
Expert Insights
Bringing reliable broadband to rural communities is about far more than installing fiber optic cable. Without high-speed internet families struggle to access telehealth appoints, students grapple with online homework and business face barriers to growth. However, before these communities can gain internet access, they often need a way to gather information on the areas with the greatest need, develop projects, and secure funding to build them.
That is where California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) broadband programs can play an important role.
Through two complementary broadband programs: one to help communities identify broadband needs and develop strong projects and the other to help fund the construction, the CPUC helps move broadband projects from planning to construction.
Two Programs Working Together
The CPUC's California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Rural and Urban Regional Broadband Consortia Account supports 15 regional broadband consortia across California. These organizations bring together local governments, Tribal communities, schools, libraries, healthcare providers, businesses, internet service providers, and community organizations to collect community input, analyze broadband needs, coordinate stakeholders, identify priority areas, and help develop competitive applications for broadband funding.
Once those projects are ready, the CPUC's Last Mile Federal Funding Account (FFA) helps fund the construction of broadband infrastructure to deliver reliable, high-speed internet directly to homes and businesses in unserved and underserved communities.
A Partnership in Action
The partnership between the Northeastern California Connect Consortium (NCCC), Upstate California Connect Consortium (UCCC), and Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications (PST) demonstrates how these CPUC programs work together.
Serving Lassen, Plumas, and surrounding counties, the two regional consortia worked closely with PST to identify broadband needs, evaluate priority areas, and develop projects that ultimately received funding through the CPUC's Last Mile Federal Funding Account.
According to the consortia, rural projects often face challenges that are not immediately visible on a map. Terrain, wildfire risk, forested landscapes, road access, utility availability, environmental requirements, and limited construction seasons all influence what can realistically be built.
By identifying these factors early, the consortia was able to develop projects that were both practical and competitive for funding.
Turning Local Knowledge into Broadband Projects
For PST, the partnership helped transform local planning into buildable projects.
Bob Marshall, General Manager of PST, said the company previously participated in broadband programs, but the Last Mile Federal Funding Account required a more strategic approach because funding was competitive and projects focused on delivering fiber directly to homes and businesses.
As a small rural internet provider, Marshall said PST’s expertise is designing, building, and operating broadband networks. The regional consortia complemented that expertise by helping analyze community data, better understand local housing patterns, refine project boundaries, and strengthen funding applications. The partnership gave PST the support it needed to successfully compete for funding.
Marshall said the consortium's assistance allowed PST to focus on what it does best, building broadband infrastructure, while benefiting from the local knowledge and regional coordination provided through the CPUC-funded consortia.
Marshall noted that this type of support can be especially valuable for smaller rural providers that may not have dedicated staff focused on data analysis or grant development.
Why Broadband Investment Matters
Reliable broadband is essential infrastructure for everyday life. In rural communities, it strengthens emergency communications during wildfires and other natural disasters.
Marshall has seen that transformation firsthand.
Over time, communities in the region have progressed from dial-up and satellite internet to fixed wireless service and now fiber-optic networks capable of supporting future generations of technology.
Building a More Connected California
The partnership between NCCC, UCCC, and PST is one example of how the CPUC’s broadband programs work in unison to expand internet access throughout California.
Together, the CASF Rural and Urban Regional Broadband Consortia and the Last Mile Federal Funding Accounts help ensure broadband investments are guided by community needs, informed by local expertise, and translated into projects that improve everyday life for Californians.
To learn more about the CPUC’s Regional Broadband Consortia Program and the organizations helping expand broadband access throughout California, visit the CASF Rural and Urban Regional Broadband Consortia Account webpage.
By Paul Schindler, Public Utilities Regulatory Analyst in the Communications Division.