California Public Utilities Commission Approves Nearly $32 Million to Expand Broadband Access, Digital Skills, and No-Cost Internet for Californians

The California Public Utilities Commission approved nearly $32 million in California Advanced Services Fund grants to expand high-speed internet access, bring free broadband to affordable housing residents, and help thousands of Californians gain the digital skills needed to participate in today’s online world. The CPUC approved up to $24 million in CASF Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account funding for three Frontier California Inc. fiber projects currently serving 590 unserved homes in Fresno, Merced, Plumas, and Tulare counties. The projects include:

• Merced Dos Palos Project: Up to $14.8 million to serve 289 unserved locations in Fresno and Merced counties.
• Plumas Greenville Project: Up to $3.45 million to serve 187 unserved locations in Plumas County, supporting continued recovery and communications resilience following the Dixie Fire.
• Tulare Central Project: Up to $5.75 million to serve 114 unserved locations in Tulare County.