The California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account recently closed its application window on October 31. This program, managed by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), is part of ongoing efforts to expand broadband access across the state.
Many Californians, especially in rural and underserved areas, still lack reliable internet service. This digital divide affects daily life, from limiting access to remote work and telehealth services to making it difficult for students to complete homework assignments.
The CASF Infrastructure Grant Account provides funding to broadband providers, cooperatives, and local governments to build infrastructure such as fiber, fixed wireless, or cable modem networks. The CPUC’s stated goal is “make broadband access universal, affordable, and resilient for all Californians.”
Several projects funded through this program are already underway:
– The Aromas–San Juan Project in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties received nearly $29.5 million. LCB Communications is delivering fiber and fixed wireless service to over 1,100 previously unserved households.
– In San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara & Santa Cruz Counties, Surfnet Communications is using a $10 million grant to extend last-mile fiber connectivity to 465 homes in rural and coastal communities.
– CalNeva Broadband secured just over $500,000 for the Rural Fresno Project (Coalinga & Huron), combining fiber and fixed wireless solutions for 600 locations in the Central Valley.
– Anza Electric Cooperative’s ConnectAnza Phase 3 project will use $6.5 million to bring fiber internet service to Mountain Center in Riverside County.
Applicants seeking future funding must show that their projects will serve areas currently lacking broadband service with minimum speeds of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload. They must also demonstrate cost effectiveness before receiving approval from the CPUC.
Those interested can review program rules or track ongoing projects by visiting the CASF Infrastructure Grant Account page.
According to Taseen Shamim of the CPUC: “The CASF Infrastructure Grant Account isn’t just about technology, it’s about people: kids doing homework online, seniors checking in with doctors, and small businesses finding customers far beyond their zip code.”
“When Californians are connected,” Shamim said, “everyone benefits.”
