The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has partnered with the City of Chico and local leaders to begin construction on Chico’s first city-owned fiber broadband network. The groundbreaking event marks a significant step toward improving internet access in the region, with funding provided through the CPUC’s Last Mile Federal Funding Account.
The project received approximately $12.7 million in grant funding from the CPUC, which will be used to deliver high-speed internet service to nearly 9,102 locations throughout Chico. The new fiber network is expected to benefit homes, businesses, and community hubs that have previously struggled with reliable internet connectivity.
Construction crews are currently installing fiber lines and preparing the necessary infrastructure to provide faster and more dependable internet service. According to the CPUC, these investments are intended to help students complete homework assignments, enable small businesses to reach customers online, and allow families better access to healthcare, jobs, and other essential services.
“The CPUC’s work is about more than broadband policy. It is about real results for real people. These investments help ensure students can complete homework assignments, small businesses can reach customers online, and families can connect with healthcare, jobs, and services,” said a spokesperson for the CPUC. “The work in Chico reflects the purpose of the Last Mile Federal Funding Account program, to close the digital divide and bring internet infrastructure directly to communities.”
This initiative is part of a broader effort across California as similar projects are underway in other regions. The CPUC remains committed to its goal of providing fast, affordable, and reliable broadband access for all residents. Additional information about how the Last Mile Federal Funding Account is supporting connectivity projects statewide can be found at https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/LastMile.
