Aug 29, 2024
Nation’s Largest Open-Access, Middle-Mile Broadband Network Forges Ahead in California
SACRAMENTO, Calif.– The California Department of Technology (CDT) continues momentum in building the nation’s largest open-access, Middle-Mile Broadband Network.
Why it Matters: California has a bold vision to ensure every resident in the state, no matter where they live, how much money they make, or their age, has affordable and reliable access to the Internet and digital devices. Governor Gavin Newsom’s Broadband for All encompasses this vision.
“We’re working in real-time to realize our bold vision of ensuring all Californians have access to high-speed internet, no matter where they come from or how much they make. The Middle Mile Broadband Network is about more than technology — we’re connecting local communities that have for too long been left off the digital map.”
Governor Gavin Newsom
Today, Governor Newsom, officials from the California Government Operations Agency, California Department of Technology (CDT), Caltrans, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the city and county of Sacramento, and Arcadian Infracom announced the groundbreaking of another segment of the Middle-Mile Broadband Network. This groundbreaking in Sacramento celebrates California’s work in building the nation’s largest open-access Middle-Mile Broadband Network. It also follows a groundbreaking last week in Willits.
“California’s commitment to affordable and reliable internet access is happening in real time and will interconnect residents across the state to a foundational need,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom. “This initiative isn’t about technology—it’s about equity and connecting all our communities together so everyone has a brighter future.”
Today’s groundbreaking on the Capitol Route is a milestone in a 256-mile route of new open-access broadband fiber spanning from San Jose in Silicon Valey through Sacramento, and through the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Carson City, NV. This essential backbone infrastructures spans communities that millions of Californians call home.
With 1,666 miles of active installation and construction, CDT is progressing ahead of schedule to deliver over 8,000 miles of broadband fiber enabling more affordable and reliable broadband access for many of the most un- and underserved communities. The Middle-Mile Broadband Network is essential to the state’s comprehensive approach to closing the digital divide.
“As California continues to make progress on this once-in-a-lifetime infrastructure project, the Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative stands as a testament to collaborative partnerships,” said California Government Operations Secretary Amy Tong. “Together with urban, rural, and tribal communities across California, we’re ensuring a robust fiber infrastructure network that connects and unites our state.”
What’s Next
In just the next three months, the Middle-Mile Broadband Network will kick off construction on 33 segments adding just over 1,590 miles, building toward an estimated 3,256 miles in construction by the end of 2024.
“We continue to advance on our mission to deliver broadband connectivity across California,” said Liana Bailey-Crimmins, State Chief Information Officer and California Department of Technology Director. “Through this historic investment, we are ensuring that more Californians will have access to affordable and reliable internet—a critical component in closing the digital divide.”
Further, the network will reach communities in the top 25 percent of CalEnviroscreen and ensure that California has an open-access broadband network that is resilient and enables communities to connect to the middle-mile for generations to come.
“I am excited to join California’s Secretary of Government Operations, Amy Tong and other California leaders in Sacramento to mark our third major fiber route groundbreaking event in less than three months,” said Arcadian Infracom CEO Dan Davis. “Arcadian’s innovative public/private partnership with the California Middle Mile Broadband Initiative continues to bridge the digital divide.”
CPUC and the Last Mile
California’s Middle-Mile Network touches all 58 counties in the state and is designed to support communities developing their local last-mile Broadband plans supported by the California Public Utilities Commission. The network will support the over 100 communities with Federal Funding Account applications that indicated interest in connecting to the Middle-Mile Network. This means that each of these communities, no matter when they secure last-mile funding, will be able to plug into the middle-mile ensuring communities don’t have to bear the high cost of backbone infrastructure but instead jumpstart in building of their last-mile connections.
What our local community partners are saying about the Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative:
“I am proud of the partnership with the state on the transformative Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative. This unprecedented investment in our equity-focused communities is a testament to our dedication to deleting the digital divide and paving the way for a more connected and inclusive future for our communities in LA County and beyond.” – Holly Mitchell, Los Angeles County Supervisor District 2
“The Hoopa Valley Tribe is pleased to be part of the State’s Middle-Mile build out. Our communities understand the importance of spending taxpayer dollars responsibly, and together we are doing that—for the betterment of our tribal nations, employees, and all Californians.” – Linnea Jackson, General Manager, Hoopa Valley Public Utilities District
“Low-income communities are behind technologically – and business as usual has left communities in several areas of California with a digital divide. We are grateful that the California Department of Technology worked with the cities in Southeast Los Angeles County to narrow our digital divide and that of communities like ours, bringing high-speed fiber optic access to underserved Californians.” – Vilma Cuellar-Stallings, Board President Gateway Cities Council of Governments and City Councilwoman, City of Paramount
“Access to high-speed internet is an increasingly essential resource for educational opportunity, health care access, economic growth, public safety, and civic engagement. The development of California’s Middle-Mile marks a significant first step in advancing broadband access by establishing a central hub for high-speed internet connection. When coupled with a robust last-mile network, this infrastructure will ensure greater access for every household and business to high-speed internet, helping to close the digital divide and promote a more equitable future for all Californians.”- Jack Garamendi, Chair of Golden State Connect Authority and Supervisor, Calaveras County
“The City of Fort Bragg is proud to be partnering with the state to build the Middle-Mile Broadband Network through the city. Together, we are sharing resources and costs and maximizing the impact of the limited funds. The city-state partnership is ensuring a more connected and equitable future for our community.” – Sarah McCormick, City of Fort Bragg
Learn more: Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative What’s new