CPUC Expands Broadband Access Statewide with Approval of Projects

Last Mile Investments Now Reach More Than 2 Million Residents in All 58 Counties

January 15, 2026 - 

SAN FRANCISCO – The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) today approved four grants totaling up to $21 million from the state’s Last Mile Federal Funding Account (FFA) to expand reliable, high-speed internet access in Contra Costa, Inyo, and Monterey counties.

With this action, California has invested in Last Mile FFA projects serving communities in each of California’s 58 counties. These investments build resilience, connect communities for school, work, tourism, and play, and invest in environmental and social justice communities.

“This program has been transformational, investing funds for broadband infrastructure projects across the state to provide high-quality service where it would otherwise not have been possible, bringing us closer to achieving our state’s Broadband For All objectives,” said CPUC President Alice Reynolds.

Last Mile Investments by the Numbers

To date, this program has benefited California in many ways, including:

  • $1.23 billion in grants approved
  • 122 broadband projects approved
  • 58 counties with broadband projects
  • 2 million Californians benefitting from broadband projects
  • 7,500 miles of fiber-optic cable lines proposed for construction
  • 47 entities received broadband project grants
  • Average project size of 37 square miles and $10 million in grant funds

Approval for Projects in Contra Costa, Inyo, and Monterey Counties

The projects approved today will be built by the California Broadband Alliance, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority, and Stimulus Technologies, and bring new broadband infrastructure to rural, suburban, and underserved communities.

The four approved grants will:

  • Expand high-speed broadband access to 1,752 locations that currently lack reliable service.
  • Benefit approximately 64,000 residents, including households, small businesses, and community institutions.
  • Support public safety, telehealth, remote learning, and workforce opportunities.
  • Include affordability commitments, such as low-cost broadband plans and participation in California LifeLine or successor affordability programs.

Approved Projects by County

  • Contra Costa County:
    • Contra Costa Transportation Authority —
      • CCTA-West Contra Costa County Project
      • CCTA-East Contra Costa County Project
  • Inyo County:
    • Stimulus Technologies — Inyo-5 Project
  • Monterey County:
    • California Broadband Alliance — Surfnet-Salinas Project

 

Together, these projects will deploy new fiber infrastructure and connect communities to California’s broader open-access middle-mile network.

 

What Grant Recipients Are Saying

Leaders from the organizations receiving funding highlighted how these projects will make a real difference for the communities they serve.

California Broadband Alliance (Monterey County)

“California Broadband Alliance (CBA) is grateful for the CPUC’s continued investment in projects that bring reliable, affordable broadband to communities across California. CBA is doing our part by leading public-private partnership projects that empower local ISPs and underserved communities. We look forward to working with Surfnet Communications, our ISP partner for this grant, to use these funds to help close the digital divide in Salinas and the greater Monterey region.”          

  • Kiran Bengard, Operations Manager, California Broadband Alliance

Contra Costa Transportation Authority (Contra Costa County)
“This investment will ensure Contra Costa County residents have the reliable broadband access they need to fully participate in today’s economy. By expanding Las Mile infrastructure, we’re helping close long-standing connectivity gaps and ensuring more households can access education, healthcare, and job opportunities.”

  • Tim Haile, Executive Director, Contra Costa Transportation Authority

 

Stimulus (Inyo County)
“Stimulus Technologies has proudly served the Lone Pine community since 1956, and we are excited to expand our network into the long-underserved Alabama Hills area in Inyo County, one of the most sparsely populated counties in the United States. For decades, the region’s challenging terrain and low population density have made broadband expansion difficult, leaving many residents without reliable connectivity. This project represents a meaningful step toward closing the digital divide and ensuring rural Californians have access to high-speed broadband that supports economic opportunity, public safety, and quality of life.”

  • Nathan Whittacre, Chief Executive Officer, Stimulus Technologies

 

About the Program

Established through Senate Bill 156, the Last Mile Federal Funding Account supports the construction of broadband infrastructure in communities that do not yet have access to reliable, high-speed internet. The program helps Californians access essential online services, stay connected during emergencies, and participate fully in today’s digital economy.

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About the California Public Utilities Commission

The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. Visit www.cpuc.ca.gov for more information.

 

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