High-speed internet access remains a challenge for many Californians, particularly in rural, Tribal, and low-income areas. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is working to address this issue through its Last Mile Federal Funding Account (FFA), a program that aims to expand broadband infrastructure directly to underserved communities.
The FFA was created as part of the state’s Broadband for All initiative and focuses on building the “last mile” of internet infrastructure—the segment that connects homes, businesses, and community institutions to larger networks. While statewide backbone connections are being developed through the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, the Last Mile program ensures that local communities can connect to these networks.
California has committed nearly $2 billion to the effort under Senate Bill 156. The program provides not only funding but also planning support and technical assistance so that local governments, Tribes, and community partners can develop networks tailored to their needs. Many projects funded by the FFA include affordability measures such as low-cost plans and participation in assistance programs like California LifeLine.
Since its launch, the FFA has distributed awards across all 58 California counties in two rounds of funding, totaling nearly $1.23 billion in broadband investments. These efforts are making tangible improvements: students now have better access to virtual learning from home; families can use telehealth services more easily; and small businesses benefit from improved connectivity.
A significant portion of awarded projects serve disadvantaged or high fire threat areas, with many connecting directly to California’s Middle Mile network for increased reliability and cost savings over time.
In Los Angeles County, construction has begun on a major broadband project led by the Gateway Cities Council of Governments and Plenary Broadband Infrastructure. This $104 million project will build a 125-mile fiber network connecting 24 city halls across southeast Los Angeles. It is supported by both the CPUC’s Last Mile Federal Funding Account and the California Department of Technology’s Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative.
“This is the best, and in our communities, we’re not used to getting the best,” said Hector De La Torre, Executive Director of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, as quoted in LAist. “We’re used to getting what’s left.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many students in these neighborhoods relied on public Wi-Fi outside fast food restaurants for their homework—a situation this new project aims to resolve by providing high-speed internet at home.
In Tulare County within Central Valley, over $36 million in grants have been awarded through the Last Mile program. Projects include $10 million for VARCOMM Broadband’s Terra Bella initiative and $26.6 million for Comcast’s Tulare Agriculture County project—together expected to bring internet service to more than 40,000 residents across several communities such as Alpaugh, Dinuba, Pixley, and Terra Bella. Tulare County is also collaborating regionally with Fresno, Kings, Madera, and Merced counties on broader broadband efforts.
According to CPUC officials behind these initiatives: “Access to high-speed internet shapes nearly every part of modern life. It affects how people learn, work, stay safe, and connect with one another.”
As additional rounds of funding are distributed and construction continues statewide—including new efforts reaching every county—the CPUC’s Last Mile Federal Funding Account is playing a key role in closing California’s digital divide.
To receive updates about these broadband programs or sign up for notifications about future developments related to statewide broadband implementation efforts visit the Statewide Broadband Updates form on the Broadband Implementation for California webpage.
