The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved four grants totaling up to $21 million to expand high-speed internet access in Contra Costa, Inyo, and Monterey counties. These funds come from the state’s Last Mile Federal Funding Account (FFA), part of a broader effort to improve broadband infrastructure across California.
With this latest action, every one of California’s 58 counties now has Last Mile FFA projects aimed at increasing connectivity for residents and businesses. The program is designed to help communities connect for school, work, tourism, and other needs while also investing in environmental and social justice areas.
“This program has been transformational, investing funds for broadband infrastructure projects across the state to provide high-quality service where it would otherwise not have been possible, bringing us closer to achieving our state’s Broadband For All objectives,” said CPUC President Alice Reynolds.
Since its launch through Senate Bill 156, the Last Mile Federal Funding Account has awarded $1.23 billion in grants supporting 122 broadband projects throughout the state. According to data released by the CPUC, these efforts have brought new or improved internet access to about two million Californians and will result in the construction of 7,500 miles of fiber-optic cable lines. Grants have gone to 47 different entities with an average project size covering 37 square miles and receiving $10 million in funding.
The newly approved projects will be carried out by the California Broadband Alliance, Contra Costa Transportation Authority, and Stimulus Technologies. They aim to build new broadband infrastructure for rural, suburban, and underserved communities.
These four grants are expected to expand high-speed broadband access to 1,752 locations currently lacking reliable service. About 64,000 residents—including households, small businesses, and community institutions—are expected to benefit from these improvements. The projects also include commitments related to affordability such as low-cost plans and participation in programs like California LifeLine.
Tim Haile, Executive Director of Contra Costa Transportation Authority commented on how local residents will benefit: “This investment will ensure Contra Costa County residents have the reliable broadband access they need to fully participate in today’s economy. By expanding Las Mile infrastructure, we’re helping close long-standing connectivity gaps and ensuring more households can access education, healthcare, and job opportunities.”
Kiran Bengard of the California Broadband Alliance stated: “California Broadband Alliance (CBA) is grateful for the CPUC’s continued investment in projects that bring reliable, affordable broadband to communities across California. CBA is doing our part by leading public-private partnership projects that empower local ISPs and underserved communities. We look forward to working with Surfnet Communications, our ISP partner for this grant, to use these funds to help close the digital divide in Salinas and the greater Monterey region.”
Nathan Whittacre from Stimulus Technologies noted challenges unique to Inyo County: “Stimulus Technologies has proudly served the Lone Pine community since 1956, and we are excited to expand our network into the long-underserved Alabama Hills area in Inyo County… For decades … challenging terrain and low population density have made broadband expansion difficult… This project represents a meaningful step toward closing the digital divide …”
Together these initiatives will extend new fiber connections linked with California’s larger open-access middle-mile network.
For further details on approved awards or specific county-level initiatives visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.
