Nearly $1.23 billion in broadband investments have been awarded to 58 counties across California through the Last Mile Federal Funding Account (FFA), according to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The initiative is part of a broader effort to expand high-speed internet access, particularly for rural, Tribal, and low-income communities that have historically lacked reliable service.
The FFA was created as part of California’s “Broadband for All” commitment and focuses on extending broadband infrastructure directly into homes, businesses, and community institutions. While the state’s Middle Mile Broadband Initiative builds the backbone network, the Last Mile program connects local communities to it. Funding also supports planning and technical assistance for local governments, Tribes, and partners.
California allocated nearly $2 billion for this effort through Senate Bill 156. Many funded projects include commitments to affordability by offering low-cost plans or participating in CPUC assistance programs such as California LifeLine.
A majority of FFA-funded projects serve disadvantaged or underserved areas. Some are located in high fire threat districts where underground fiber construction aims to improve both connectivity and public safety. More than half connect directly with the statewide Middle Mile network.
In Los Angeles County, construction has started on a 125-mile fiber network led by the Gateway Cities Council of Governments and Plenary Broadband Infrastructure. Supported by $104 million from both the FFA and the Department of Technology’s Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative, this project will link 24 City Halls in southeast Los Angeles. Hector De La Torre, Executive Director of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, said in an article in LAist: “This is the best, and in our communities, we’re not used to getting the best. We’re used to getting what’s left.”
During the pandemic, many students in these neighborhoods sat outside fast food restaurants to connect to Wi-Fi for homework—a problem that new infrastructure aims to address.
Tulare County received $36.6 million from Round 2 funding—$10 million going toward VARCOMM Broadband’s Terra Bella project and $26.6 million toward Comcast’s Tulare Agriculture County project—to bring service to over 40,000 residents across Alpaugh, Dinuba, Pixley, Terra Bella and other communities. Tulare has joined neighboring counties like Fresno, Kings, Madera, and Merced for regional broadband collaboration.
The CPUC describes these efforts as crucial for providing equitable access: “Access to high-speed internet shapes nearly every part of modern life. It affects how people learn, work, stay safe, and connect with one another.”
Residents can sign up for updates about ongoing broadband programs through a form on California’s official Broadband Implementation webpage.
