The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved five grants totaling up to $96 million from the state’s last mile Federal Funding Account. These funds will support new broadband infrastructure projects aimed at bringing high-speed internet access to nearly 15,000 residents and connecting more than 4,500 previously unserved locations in California.
The projects will be implemented across Calaveras, Orange, and Trinity Counties, with additional multi-county initiatives serving areas in Humboldt (with Trinity) and Los Angeles (with Orange) Counties. The focus is on addressing connectivity gaps in rural, Tribal, and underserved communities.
This round of funding builds on over $1 billion already invested to improve internet connectivity for more than 2 million Californians during the first grant cycle completed in February 2025. The CPUC plans to continue its investment efforts by awarding one or more grants in each county by January 2026. An additional $550 million is expected to be allocated for the Last Mile program as part of the state budget for 2027–2028.
“These investments move us closer to a future where every Californian can count on fast, affordable internet no matter where they live,” said CPUC President Alice Reynolds. “Reliable broadband is essential for education, healthcare, public safety, and economic opportunity, and today’s action continues California’s strong commitment to Broadband For All.”
Grant recipients include AT&T, AVX Networks, Comcast Cable Communications, and Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District. Their projects are designed to provide modern broadband speeds and affordable service options. The initiative aims to expand high-speed broadband service to over 4,500 locations that currently lack reliable service and benefit an estimated 15,000 residents—including households and small businesses—while supporting needs such as emergency communications, telehealth services, remote learning opportunities, and local economic development.
“These Federal Funding Account grants are an important step towards closing the digital divide for some of the most remote parts of the state, including rural, Tribal, and low-income areas,” said Commissioner Darcie L. Houck. “The benefits of these projects for work, education, public safety, and daily life will be substantial.”
Leaders from recipient organizations expressed their support for the program:
“We are pleased to be selected for this important project to deliver reliable, high-speed broadband connectivity to Orange County. We agree that California communities both large and small deserve this kind of fiber connectivity and investment; we’re excited to continue working with communities across the Golden State,” said Susan Santana, President of AT&T California.
“AVX Networks is thrilled to bridge the digital divide for Catalina Island and coastal North Orange County through this vital Last-Mile Federal Funding Account grant,” said Lance Ware, CEO of AVX Networks. “This investment not only resolves persistent downtime issues but empowers mobile carriers… fostering equitable access and resilience for these underserved communities.”
“The CPUC’s decision to award Comcast the Calaveras County FFA grant reinforces our commitment… This project will accelerate our network expansion in communities in the High Sierra,” stated Rodrigo Lopez of Comcast.
“Receiving this funding for the Hoopa TRAIL project is an immense honor… empowering us to deliver reliable broadband that brings critical connectivity [and] economic opportunity…” said Linnea Jackson from Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District.
The last mile Federal Funding Account was established under Senate Bill 156 with a goal of constructing broadband infrastructure in areas lacking reliable high-speed internet access. The program supports Californians’ ability to use essential online services—especially during emergencies—and participate fully in today’s digital economy.
More information about these awards can be found on resources such as the full list of approved Last-Mile Federal Funding Account Awards (https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/broadband-implementation-for-california/last-mile-federal-funding-account-awards), details about the Last Mile Federal Funding Account Webpage (https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/industries-and-topics/internet-and-phone/broadband-implementation-for-california/last-mile-federal-funding-account), or via an Interactive Broadband Awards Map (https://cpuc-broadbandmaps.hub.arcgis.com/pages/federal-funding-account).
The CPUC regulates utility services throughout California with a mission focused on consumer protection as well as ensuring safe and reliable infrastructure statewide.
