California has approved more than $18.2 million in funding for broadband infrastructure, regional planning, and digital inclusion initiatives aimed at expanding internet access across the state.
The California Public Utilities Commission allocated nearly $14.7 million through the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account to support four fiber-optic broadband projects in Lassen, Plumas, and Sierra counties. Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications will deliver the projects, which will extend fiber-to-the-home service to 460 unserved homes and businesses in rural Northern California.
The CPUC also approved $3.4 million in CASF Rural and Urban Regional Broadband Consortia grants to support broadband planning, project development, mapping, and community outreach activities across 16 counties. The funding will support six regional broadband organizations working to advance future connectivity projects and coordinate broadband investments.
In addition, the commission awarded nearly $200,000 through its Digital Divide Grant Program to three community organizations in Kern County, Fresno County, and California’s Central Valley. The grants will fund digital literacy training, technology access programs, and device distribution efforts that are expected to serve more than 330 students, parents, caregivers, and community members.