$1.5 Billion To Be Added To State's Broadband Plan
Published Jan 10, 2024 4:14 PM
Topline:
The proposed state budget includes $1.5 billion to help build an open-access "middle-mile" network which will connect homes and business through 10,000 miles of high speed internet service. (Middle Mile refers to the backbone infrastructure). That's on top of an already-allocated $6 billion for the "Broadband For All" plan.
Why it matters: Officials say the middle mile could help bring down internet prices and increase competition for everyone, but especially low-income residents.
Why now: Construction is underway. Advocates had previously raised questions about how much funding would be needed to cover the entire network, given the overall budget deficit.
The backstory: In 2021, the Newsom administration began rolling out its ambitious Broadband for All plan to close the digital divide and expand internet access by the end of 2026.
Go deeper...about California's digital divide here.
