California Expands Broadband Access Statewide with $21 Million in Last Mile Funding

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved four grants totaling up to $21 million from the state’s Last Mile Federal Funding Account (FFA) to expand reliable, high-speed internet access in Contra Costa, Inyo, and Monterey (CA) counties. The four approved grants will:

• Expand high-speed broadband access to 1,752 locations that currently lack reliable service.
• Benefit approximately 64,000 residents, including households, small businesses, and community institutions.
• Support public safety, telehealth, remote learning, and workforce opportunities.
• Include affordability commitments, such as low-cost broadband plans and participation in California LifeLine or successor affordability programs.