The California Public Utilities Commission announced on Mar. 12 that it will hold its annual California Advanced Services Fund Public Workshop on April 22 in San Francisco. The event aims to bring together regional consortia, local governments, broadband providers, stakeholders, and consumers to discuss ways to expand broadband infrastructure and encourage broadband adoption in unserved communities across the state.
The workshop is intended as a collaborative forum for participants to share ideas and develop cost-effective strategies for closing the digital divide in California. Attendees can join in person at the CPUC Auditorium or remotely via webcast or phone. Public comment will be accepted by phone during the event.
According to the announcement, while a quorum of Commissioners or their staff may attend, no official action will be taken during the workshop. Special accommodations such as non-English or sign language interpreters are available upon request through the CPUC’s Public Advisor’s Office if arranged at least five days before the event.
Since its inception in 2008, the California Advanced Services Fund has provided subsidies for building and expanding broadband facilities in areas lacking service. The program supports various technologies including fiber-optic, fixed wireless, hybrid fiber-coaxial, and copper-based projects with a goal of making broadband accessible to 98 percent of households in each consortia region by 2032. The CASF is one of six telecommunications Public Purpose Programs funded by a surcharge.
The CPUC regulates services and utilities throughout California with an emphasis on consumer protection and ensuring access to reliable utility infrastructure.
