When construction began on the Equal Access Summits to the Sea project, it marked a significant change for Santa Cruz County residents who have faced unreliable internet access. The initiative is supported by the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) California Advanced Services Fund Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account (CASF).
Cruzio customers living in rural and mountainous regions are experiencing improvements in their daily lives due to this project. Carlisle Landel and Cap Pennell, both Cruzio customers, shared how better internet access has impacted them.
“For us, it just gave another mode of access. A cheaper and faster mode of access than what we could have before,” said Carlisle. He described how essential tasks such as banking, paying bills, reading news, and connecting with friends all depend on being online. In his area, unreliable cell service makes internet-based calling crucial. “Our cellular access here is actually very bad. So having voice over internet is a tremendous advantage,” he added.
Cap Pennell noticed immediate benefits from the upgrade at home. “I have improved internet access in my home, and it works very well,” said Cap. “No more glitching on videos or other signs of a slow internet.” After years of dealing with slower service that often failed, Cap now experiences greater comfort and fewer interruptions.
The CASF program provides grants to build broadband infrastructure in areas lacking reliable high-speed service. This funding supports projects in rural or underserved communities where private investment may not be feasible. As a result of CASF support, Cruzio will connect 759 previously unserved households across four counties.
The impact goes beyond faster speeds; broadband expansion helps ensure that all Californians can participate fully in modern society by improving connection and opportunity throughout the state.
Information about eligibility and application steps for CASF funding can be found at the CPUC’s CASF Infrastructure Grant webpage.
