As we enter the summer, we have some exciting updates regarding
broadband funding, grant opportunities, and digital equity to
share.
California to Receive Over $1.8 billion in Federal
Funding to Increase High-Speed Internet Access
On June 26, 2023, the United States Department of Commerce’s
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)
announced funding allocations for the $42.45 billion Broadband
Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program from the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law to administer grant programs within their
borders. California will receive $1.86 billion in funding from
the BEAD program.
The BEAD funding will be used to deploy or upgrade broadband
networks to ensure that everyone has access to reliable,
affordable, high-speed Internet service. Once deployment goals
are met, any remaining funding can be used to pursue eligible
access, adoption, and equity-related uses. Details related to the
allocation for the states and territories are available on
www.internetforall.gov.
Webinar: Federal Funding Account Application
Process
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will host a
live webinar for the Federal Funding Account broadband grant
program on July 6, 2023, at 10 a.m. Prospective applicants will
have the opportunity to learn how to apply for funds to build
last-mile broadband infrastructure projects to connect unserved
and underserved Californians with high-speed broadband
service. The webinar will include an overview of the grant
program, the application process, and how to submit applications
through the Broadband Grant Portal.
Make Your Voice Heard! Take California Digital Equity
Online Survey
One in five Californians does not have access to affordable,
reliable broadband service, devices, and the skills to use them.
Help members of your community take the first step toward their
digital future by taking the Digital Equity Online Survey. The
Digital Equity Survey is intended to identify the digital equity
barriers and needs of California’s residents. The survey can be
taken online or via mobile phone. It is accessible in 14
different languages and includes audio functionality for limited
English proficiency and limited literacy residents. The survey
can be accessed
here.
