July 28, 2022 – The California Department of Technology’s (CDT) Broadband Update newsletter provides the latest information on California’s Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative (MMBI) and digital equity and inclusion activities known as Broadband for All. Subscribe for Broadband Updates and other CDT news offerings.
Key Highlights
July MMAC Meeting
CDT, GoldenStateNet, and Caltrans presented current progress on construction of the statewide middle-mile network at the July Middle-Mile Advisory Committee (MMAC) meeting. Two segments will be under construction by fall 2022, and the rest of the network is in various stages of preconstruction. The entire network is projected for completion by 2026.
Find complete information, including the interactive statewide network map, meeting presentations and recordings on the MMBI page.
NTIA Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Programs
CDT submitted the state’s application for the National Telecommunication and Information Administration’s Digital Equity Planning Grant program. CDT will lead development of the state’s Digital Equity Plan in coordination with the California Public Utilities Commission that is simultaneously developing the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Plan. Both plans require engagement with stakeholders and seek stakeholder participation. Once complete, these efforts will unlock billions in federal funding to support broadband deployment and adoption, digital literacy, and equity.
Stay up to date on California’s digital equity and inclusion programs on the Broadband for All portal.
California Broadband Council
California Broadband Council (CBC) members and other State agency partners will provide an implementation update on the Broadband for All Action Plan at its next meeting on July 29, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. PST. The meeting agenda, Zoom link and call-in number are available on the California Broadband Council website.
What’s New on the Broadband for All Portal
The Broadband for All Portal Funding Opportunities page was recently updated with the latest California Public Utilities Commission Last-Mile funding opportunities such as the Local Agency Technical Assistance, Loan Loss Reserve Fund and Last-Mile Federal Funding Account.
The Broadband Planning Resources page has been updated to include a Handbook created by Native Nations Communications Task Force intended to bring awareness of the various steps involved in broadband deployment.
Coming Soon
CDT and partners are working on a Local Permitting Playbook for broadband deployment, and continue to promote the Affordable Connectivity Program. Stay tuned for updates on these topics in future editions of the Broadband Update and on the Broadband for All portal.
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