The Oakland City Council approved the construction of a citywide open-access municipal broadband network aimed at delivering high-speed internet to unserved and underserved neighborhoods. The plan—adopted on May 20 as part of the city’s Broadband Master Plan—targets up to 2,500 households across West Oakland, Downtown, Fruitvale, and East Oakland.
The project will cost an estimated $15.6 million, with funding consisting of a $14 million grant from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and a $1.6 million contribution from the City of Oakland. The city will pursue public-private partnerships with internet service providers to operate and maintain the network through revenue-sharing agreements.
Oakland’s approach prioritizes a fiber-first deployment model, though wireless technologies such as LTE and fixed wireless may be used in specific cases. The network will also incorporate city-owned fiber infrastructure for middle-mile use, helping reduce backhaul costs and open the market to new ISPs.
The plan found that 33,000 households lack residential broadband, with some ZIP codes reporting median speeds below 20 Mbps. The report also documented a lack of provider competition and monthly internet bills exceeding $150 for some residents. With the federal Affordable Connectivity Program expiring in 2024, the city views the municipal network as a long-term, sustainable solution to expand affordable access.
Construction is expected to proceed in phases, with a focus on serving Oakland Housing Authority properties first.