The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has approved five grants totaling up to $96 million from the state’s last mile Federal Funding Account. These grants will fund broadband infrastructure projects aimed at providing high-speed internet access to nearly 15,000 residents and connecting over 4,500 locations that previously lacked reliable service.
The new funding targets rural, Tribal, and underserved communities in Calaveras, Orange, and Trinity Counties. Two of the projects will also serve areas in Humboldt (with Trinity) and Los Angeles (with Orange) Counties. This move follows an earlier round of investment completed in February 2025, which saw more than $1 billion allocated to improve connectivity for over two million Californians. The CPUC has announced plans to continue these investments with additional grants expected in every county by January 2026 and a further $550 million planned for allocation in the state budget for 2027–2028.
“These investments move us closer to a future where every Californian can count on fast, affordable internet no matter where they live,” said CPUC President Alice Reynolds. “Reliable broadband is essential for education, healthcare, public safety, and economic opportunity, and today’s action continues California’s strong commitment to Broadband For All.”
Grant recipients include AT&T, AVX Networks, Comcast Cable Communications, and Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District. Their projects are designed to provide modern broadband speeds with affordable service options. The expansion is expected to support emergency communications systems, telehealth services, remote learning opportunities, and local economic development.
“These Federal Funding Account grants are an important step towards closing the digital divide for some of the most remote parts of the state, including rural, Tribal, and low-income areas,” said Commissioner Darcie L. Houck. “The benefits of these projects for work, education, public safety, and daily life will be substantial.”
Representatives from recipient organizations emphasized the impact these funds will have:
“We are pleased to be selected for this important project to deliver reliable, high-speed broadband connectivity to Orange County. We agree that California communities, both large and small, deserve this kind of fiber connectivity and investment, and we’re excited to continue to work with communities across the Golden State to make that happen.” — Susan Santana, President of AT&T California
“AVX Networks is thrilled to bridge the digital divide for Catalina Island and coastal North Orange County through this vital Last-Mile Federal Funding Account grant, enhancing connectivity that will transform healthcare, education, hospitality, public safety, and emergency communications like 911. This investment not only resolves persistent downtime issues but empowers mobile carriers to prioritize coverage over capacity, fostering equitable access and resilience for these underserved communities.” — Lance Ware, CEO of AVX Networks
“The CPUC’s decision to award Comcast the Calaveras County FFA grant reinforces our commitment to closing the digital divide across Northern California. This project will accelerate our network expansion in communities in the High Sierra. We appreciate the CPUC’s partnership as we work together to advance digital equity and connect more people and businesses to what matters most.” — Rodrigo Lopez, Regional Senior Vice President at Comcast
“Receiving this funding for the Hoopa TRAIL project is an immense honor for the Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District and a monumental step for the communities we will serve across Trinity and Humboldt Counties empowering us to deliver reliable broadband that brings critical connectivity economic opportunity and reflects the Hoopa Valley Tribe’s deep pride in serving the region The Tribe calls Hoopa the place where all trails return and now just as all Trinity River tributaries flow home so too will the digital river which we will ensure remains healthy and thriving for all who depend on it.” — Linnea Jackson General Manager Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District
The last mile Federal Funding Account was established through Senate Bill 156 with a goal of building broadband infrastructure in areas without reliable high-speed internet access. The program aims at enabling Californians’ access to essential online services while supporting participation in emergencies as well as everyday activities.
For more information about ongoing awards or details about specific projects funded under this initiative visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.
