News Update

Newsom announces 18 initial projects in $6 billion broadband plan

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday announced 18 initial projects using the $6 billion that California allocated for broadband in the 2021-22 budget.

The initial project areas include tribal communities in San Diego and Riverside counties, as well as other areas such as Oakland’s flatland neighborhoods, San Bernardino County’s high desert, inland Orange County and others.

Although more than 90% of Californians have high-speed internet, hundreds of thousands of students are estimated to still be without reliable internet access at home, according to a recent study from the University of California and the California Emerging Technology Fund

A map and a list of the 18 project areas can be found here.

The initial project locations are based on known unserved and underserved areas, according to a news release from the Governor’s Office. The state will partner with existing providers as well as local governments and agencies to build and maintain new broadband lines.

The broadband plan directs $3.25 billion to build “middle-mile” broadband lines, which connect the greater highway of broadband service to the “last mile,” which are end users. The plan also sets aside $2 billion for last-mile lines both in rural and urban areas to connect consumers’ homes and businesses with local networks.