Project Information

Project Background

In July 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill 156 to create an open-access middle-mile network to bring equitable high-speed broadband service to all Californians. SB 156 provides $3.25 billion to build the necessary infrastructure to bring internet connectivity to homes, businesses and community institutions. The middle-mile is the physical infrastructure required to enable internet connectivity and is made up of high-capacity fiber lines that carry large amounts of data at high speeds over long distances between local networks and global internet networks. For additional background information, please refer to the California Department of Technology website (https://middle-mile-broadband-initiative.cdt.ca.gov/).

Project Purpose 

The Middle-Mile Broadband Network (MMBN) Project would install the necessary broadband infrastructure along the State Highway System and Interstate System to connect to a third- party operated Last Mile Broadband Network, bringing internet connectivity to homes, businesses, and community institutions.

Project Need

The lack of available middle-mile broadband infrastructure has been a major issue in connecting California’s unserved and underserved communities. The statewide open-access middle-mile network as stated in SB 156 is a foundational investment to ensure every Californian has access to broadband internet service that meets the connectivity needs of today, and well into the future. This project intends to support these communities in providing critical statewide broadband infrastructure to enhance access to, and increase the affordability of, high- speed internet for all Californians.

Statewide Project Map