California nearly triples operational reach of state broadband network with 1,250 new miles ready for connection

Sacramento, California – California has taken another major step toward expanding affordable high-speed internet service across the state after nearly tripling the operational reach of its Middle-Mile Broadband Network.

Governor Gavin Newsom announced that a new 1,250-mile section of the state-built network is now operating and ready to connect with local broadband projects and commercial internet providers. The expansion brings California closer to completing what state officials say will become the largest public broadband network of its kind in the United States.

The network was created to help communities that still lack fast, stable, and reasonably priced internet service. State leaders say the project is especially important for rural areas, tribal communities, and other places where private companies have not built enough broadband infrastructure.

“California is building the nation’s largest public broadband network to deliver fast, reliable, and affordable internet to every pocket of our state. Internet isn’t a luxury; it’s how people get an education, how families see a doctor, and how people find good-paying jobs. Closing the digital divide means ensuring every Californian has the tools to succeed in today’s connected economy.”

The newly operational section creates a long, connected backbone across a large part of California. It begins in San Jose, runs south along the Central Coast toward Los Angeles, extends east to Barstow, and then travels north through an interconnection point before reaching Modoc County in the far northeastern part of the state.

This latest milestone follows an announcement in April that the Bishop Paiute Tribe had become the first customer connected to the network. That connection was completed along the Highway 395 corridor, showing that the project had begun moving beyond construction and into active service.

Network now ready to support local internet projects

The Middle-Mile Broadband Network does not usually connect directly into individual homes or businesses. Instead, it acts as a large digital highway that can carry huge amounts of data across long distances.

Local providers and publicly funded projects can then connect to that backbone and build the final section of infrastructure, often called the last mile. The last mile is the cable or fiber that reaches homes, schools, clinics, businesses, libraries, and other community locations.

State officials said the new operational section sends a strong message to communities and providers that they can begin using the network immediately.

That includes projects receiving money through California’s Federal Funding Account program, a $2 billion grant effort managed by the California Public Utilities Commission. The program supports last-mile broadband construction in areas that have limited or unreliable internet access.

Commercial internet companies may also use the state network to reach communities that have been difficult or expensive to serve in the past.

“Reaching 1,250 operational miles is proof that California’s Middle-Mile Broadband Network has moved from construction to commerce,” said California State Chief Information Officer and California Department of Technology Director Chris Given. “Every mile we bring online is a mile that the Federal Funding Account grantees and commercial providers can build on right now to deliver affordable, reliable internet to the communities that need it most. This network is open for business, and we are ready to connect California.”

California Public Utilities Commission President John Reynolds also welcomed the progress and pointed to the cooperation between several state agencies.

“This achievement helps to bring fast, reliable, affordable internet service to all Californians. I am grateful for the continued partnership with the Department of Technology and Caltrans as we fulfill the state’s commitment to Broadband for All with these investments in transformational infrastructure,” said California Public Utilities Commission President John Reynolds.

The Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative is designed as an open-access system, meaning different providers and public projects can use the network instead of relying on one private company. Officials say that structure can increase competition, lower costs, and make broadband service more available in communities that have been left behind.

The physical network is built from fiber lines capable of moving large amounts of information at high speeds. Once the full system and related last-mile projects are complete, more residents will be able to use the internet for remote work, education, medical appointments, government services, job searches, and communication with family and friends.

California has now either completed or started active construction on 5,549 miles of the planned network. That represents nearly 70 percent of the full 8,100-mile system.

The broadband effort is also part of Governor Newsom’s Build More, Faster — For All infrastructure agenda, which includes major investments in transportation, clean energy, water, housing, and internet access.

The foundation for the project was established in July 2021, when Newsom signed Senate Bill 156 into law. The measure provided $3.25 billion to create an open-access middle-mile system and expand internet connectivity for homes, businesses, schools, health centers, and other public institutions.

The California Department of Technology serves as the lead agency responsible for planning and building the network. The California Public Utilities Commission has also awarded more than $1.2 billion in last-mile broadband grants.

According to state officials, those grants are expected to benefit more than 2 million Californians across all 58 counties.

Tribal governments and local agencies have also played an important role by using local plans, partnerships, and funding to speed up construction. Their involvement has helped the state identify communities with the greatest need and move projects forward more quickly.

California leaders say the goal is not only to build more than 8,000 miles of fiber, but also to create lasting digital infrastructure that can serve residents for decades. With another 1,250 miles now operating, the state says its public broadband network is becoming a working system that local providers can use today, rather than a project that exists only on future construction plans.