CPUC Accepting Applications for Broadband Federal Funding Account Grants To Support Closing the Digital Divide
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today began accepting applications for its Federal Funding Account, a $2 billion grant program focused on building last-mile broadband internet infrastructure for communities without access to internet service at sufficient and reliable speeds.
Applications are being accepted through the CPUC’s Broadband Grant Portal immediately. The deadline to apply is Friday, September 29, 2023, at 4 p.m.
“This is an important milestone for the state’s Broadband For All initiative,” said CPUC President Alice Reynolds. “This program – supported by the state’s middle mile network, and local government and tribal technical assistance grants – will enable us to make future-proof investments in communities across the state.”
In July 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed historic legislation to advance the state’s efforts for achieving Broadband for All. This legislation created the Federal Funding Account, funded in part through the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, to provide $2 billion in grants for last-mile broadband infrastructure projects to connect unserved Californians with high-speed broadband services.
“I am pleased the federal process provided an opportunity to update the maps of underserved communities so California can receive the funding needed to bridge the digital divide. The funding will truly make a difference in underserved areas to meet the demand of everyday life for individuals and families that include educational requirements and opportunities, seeking employment, and navigating paying bills,” said Commissioner Genevieve Shiroma.
The program will award grants to networks that provide reliable and affordable service to communities that need it most, particularly low-income and disadvantaged communities facing a growing digital divide. Networks must be built to provide modern speeds of at least 100 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload. The program encourages tribal and local government participation and reflects the State’s priority of bringing affordable service to all Californians.
The CPUC is coordinating the program with the Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative (MMBI) led by the California Department of Technology. The MMBI is building a statewide open-access, middle-mile network that will bring high-capacity fiberoptic lines that carry large amounts of data at high speeds over long distances. The MMBI is an essential component of the state’s Broadband for All efforts and will enable last-mile broadband infrastructure projects through reducing costs and providing middle mile infrastructure where none exists.
“The Federal Funding Account will make $2 billion available to serve unserved and underserved areas in every county across California. The program is an essential component of delivering fast, reliable, and affordable broadband to every Californian,” said Commissioner Darcie L. Houck.
As part of this program, the CPUC also launched its new Broadband Grant Portal, which streamlines the application process for applicants and grant recipients. The online gateway streamlines program participation by allowing applicants to submit paperless applications, submit payment requests, and submit required reports for the Federal Funding Account. This is in addition to the previously launched Applicant Tool, which enables prospective Federal Funding Account applicants to examine service needs, highlight census blocks, and see estimated subsidies for potential projects — and then submit them as part of a grant application.
More information about the Federal Funding Account is available at www.cpuc.ca.gov/federalfundingaccount.
Access to the Broadband Grant Portal is available at broadbandportal.cpuc.ca.gov.
“Access to high-speed broadband is key to economic and educational opportunities, and access to healthcare and essential services,” said Commissioner Karen Douglas. “These grants are an important step to ensuring that no community and no part of the state is left behind.”
The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians’ access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.
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