Newsom Announces First Broadband Expansion Projects

Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday announced the state has identified 18 projects to begin work on an “open-access middle-mile network” to provide missing infrastructure paths to establish expanded access to broadband internet. The announcement comes as part of the Newsom Administration’s $6 billion broadband investment to provide internet access to Californians.

The initial 18 projects are being carried out throughout the entire state, and the evaluation of project areas included consideration of public comments, prioritization of unserved or underserved areas, and inclusion of tribal communities, cities, and counties. State entities involved in the middle-mile initiative include the California Department of Technology, the California Public Utilities Commission, and CalTrans.

Additional information from the Governor’s Office is available here.