The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) on Dec. 20 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.
The milestone was reached with the approval of $225 million in the 10th round of grants for last mile broadband projects as part of the $2 billion Last Mile Federal Funding Account grant program, which expands broadband internet access for underserved and unserved communities in California. This continues a rolling process of awards and recommendations, highlighting the state’s commitment to bridging the digital divide through Broadband For All.
“As the fifth largest economy on the planet, we can’t afford to leave anyone behind from accessing the kinds of economic opportunities the internet provides us in the 21st century,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom. “With more than $1 billion invested to help communities connect to broadband, California is working to connect more Californians than ever before to reliable, high-speed internet.”
“As we close out this year, these critical investments in broadband infrastructure and digital literacy are a testament to our commitment to closing the digital divide and ensuring that all Californians, regardless of income or location, have access to the tools they need to thrive in the digital age,” explained CPUC President Alice Reynolds. “The CPUC is proud to support these projects that will bring reliable internet access and empower communities across the state.”
The Last Mile federal funding account by the numbers to date: $1 billion in grants awarded; 47 counties awarded grants; 97 projects to date; two million Californians benefiting from these investments; eight Tribal broadband grants issued; 48 public entity and partnership broadband grants issued; 61 grants serving majority disadvantaged and low-income communities.
Many Last Mile federal funding account grant awardees are creating new networks, connecting the next generation to education, improving access to healthcare, and empowering rural and urban communities for economic development and emergency connectivity. Combined, these proposed projects will serve predominantly disadvantaged and low-income communities across the state.
Both Stanislaus and San Joaquin were among the 14 counties sharing in the most recently awarded $225 million.
With the recent allocation, it marks the CPUC’s awarding of last mile broadband grants to projects in every region in the state to established internet service providers, small providers, local governments, tribes, and special districts. As part of this process, the CPUC issues Draft Resolutions with award recommendations, each open for public comment. The recommendations are then considered and must be approved by vote at a public CPUC Voting Meeting. Awards will continue in January 2025.
Future application windows will be announced as funds are appropriated.
Established under Senate Bill 156 (2021), the CPUC’s Last Mile Federal Funding Account is fueling economic growth across rural, tribal, and urban communities statewide.
Since the initial round of applications closed in September 2023, the CPUC has received and reviewed 484 grant applications from every county in the state, totaling more than $4.6 billion in requests. This overwhelming response highlights the urgent need for and the opportunity to expand internet access across California.
In addition to the Last Mile Federal Funding Account, the CPUC is investing in a suite of programs in the state’s efforts in connecting millions of Californians with reliable, affordable high-speed internet, including the California Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF).
