California

California Awards $9 Million in Final Round of Broadband Grants

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved $9 million in broadband infrastructure grants for five projects in Tuolumne County (CA), marking a major milestone in the state’s historic $2 billion Last Mile Federal Funding Account grant program. These investments bring broadband access to underserved and unserved communities across California, reinforcing the state’s commitment to Broadband for All.

California Department of Technology Gives Updates on Middle-Mile, Last-Mile Projects

The California Department of Technology (CDT) has issued a periodic update on its middle-mile and last-mile initiatives. The report says that almost 3,100 miles of Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative (MMBI) have “gone to installation” through the CDT’s joint build, indefeasible right-of-use/lease partnerships, and Caltrans constructions. The total is nearly half of the roughly 8,000 miles that will be deployed Caltrans says that it is continuing to make progress in moving from pre-construction to installation of almost 800 miles of network.

Verizon (fortunately) left THOR out of LA fire response

Sometimes, less is better. That applies to the assets Verizon brought to the Los Angeles (CA) area during the devastating wildfires these past couple weeks. Verizon often deploys its Tactical Humanitarian Operations Response (THOR) vehicle when reacting to disasters like hurricanes and wildfires. But not so in LA.

CPUC Ushers in 2025 With New Round of Grants for Broadband Projects Across California

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved $32.5 million in broadband investments for California to help close the digital divide, as follows:  

Chairwoman Rosenworcel Update on Los Angeles Area Wildfires

At the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and state officials, the Federal Communications Commission has boots on the ground through the deployment of spectrum survey teams to assess the impact to cellular communications in Los Angeles County. This data is used to identify communications gaps, which informs emergency response activities and identifies where communications assets are needed.

CPUC Reaches Milestone $1 Billion in Broadband Grants to Connect Communities Across California

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) marked a historic achievement by surpassing $1 billion in grants dedicated to expanding broadband networks throughout California. This monumental funding will empower communities across the state, from rural areas to urban centers, by expanding access to high-speed internet—a crucial resource for education, healthcare, and economic development.

Biden-Harris Administration Connects People and Businesses in Rural Areas to Reliable High-Speed Internet in 18 States

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced more than $313 million in funding to connect rural residents, farmers and business owners in 18 states to reliable high-speed internet.

California on track to surpass 3,000 miles of broadband construction by end of year with new infrastructure agreements signed

By the end of 2024, more than 3,000 miles of the backbone “middle mile” broadband network will be under construction and expansion, paving the way to connect millions of Californians to high-speed internet. This publicly funded, owned and open-access network is set to be the nation’s largest. The California Department of Technology (CDT) recently sealed two more joint-build agreements with the Karuk Tribe in the northern part of the state and the Gateway Cities Council of Governments in the southern part of the state.

Biden-Harris Administration Recommends for Award More Than $276 Million to Expand Internet Use on Tribal Lands

The Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has recommended for award more than $276 million to 44 Tribal entities to expand high-speed Internet access and adoption. The funding from the nearly $3 billion Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program is part of the Biden-Harris Administration's Internet for All Initiative.

California Takes Steps Towards Digital Equity

On October 25, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded over $70 million in funding to California through the Digital Equity Act's Capacity Grant Program.