White Papers and More

This page is a collection of information about broadband internet basics and more advanced topics, generally and specific to California. Topics include last-mile infrastructure technology, networks, funding, project financing, partnership models, and policy. 

Publications

• How to Build a Public Broadband Network (American Association for Public Broadband | published by Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, March 2024) - pdf
• Broadband Models for Unserved and Underserved Communities (U.S. Ignite | Altman Solon, July 2020) - pdf
• Putting State Broadband Funds to Work:  Best Practices in State Rural Broadband Grant Programs (Broadband Equity Partnership: CTC Technology & Energy and HR&A Advisors | published by Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, June 2021) - pdf
• Public Infrastructure/Private Service:  A Shared Risk Partnership Model for 21st Century Broadband Infrastructure (Joanne Hovis, Jim Baller, David Talbot and Cat Blake Coalition for Local Internet Choice | published by Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, October 2020) - pdf
• Dark Fiber Lease Considerations (CTC Technology & Energy, 2012) - pdf
• Broadband Financials Primer (Quadra Partners, May 2022) - pdf
• Broadband Factors for Last Mile Connectivity (CTC Technology & Energy, December 2021) - pdf 

Links to More Resources

CPUC Broadband Deployment, Affordability, and Digital Equity Programs - An overview of the CPUC's broadband internet role and programs it manages.

California Broadband for All Portal - The California's Department of Technology's compilation of information on broadband.

California Broadband Planning Resources - The California Department of Technology's collection of resources to help you plan for broadband deployment and other essential aspects of digital equity and inclusion -- whether you are developing a plan, carrying out that plan, or in one of the many stages in between.

Article on Internet for All in California - A comprehensive review of California's digital divide and solutions at play, from Benton Institute for Broadband & Society (April 2023).

Broadband Basics 4-Week Series - A concise introductory video series about high-speed internet, from Pew Charitable Trusts.

National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) State Resources - The NTIA provides numerous resources for fostering broadband expertise, partnerships, and projects. In addition to their grant programs and toolkits, these selected NTIA resources that may be of interest:

• Engagement Guide for Coordination with Internet Service Providers
• Broadband Network Deployment Engineering
• Economics of Broadband Networks
• Broadband Asset Mapping and Management Guidance

Broadband Vignettes

Welcome to the California Public Utilities Commission's broadband video series. These vignettes introduce important broadband economic and technical concepts.