The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the City of Chico have started construction on Chico’s first city-owned fiber broadband network. The groundbreaking event brought together CPUC representatives, local officials, and construction crews to mark the beginning of this infrastructure project.
The initiative is funded by a grant of about $12.7 million from the CPUC’s Last Mile Federal Funding Account. This funding aims to extend high-speed internet service to approximately 9,102 locations throughout Chico, including homes, businesses, and community facilities that previously faced challenges accessing reliable internet.
According to the CPUC, “These investments help ensure students can complete homework assignments, small businesses can reach customers online, and families can connect with healthcare, jobs, and services.” The commission emphasized that its efforts are intended to provide practical improvements for residents rather than focusing solely on policy development.
This project is part of a broader effort in California to expand broadband access through similar groundbreakings in other communities. The CPUC stated its ongoing commitment “to building a future where every household has access to fast, affordable, and reliable Broadband for All.”
Further information about the Last Mile Federal Funding Account program is available at https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/LastMile.
