The application period for the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account ended on October 31. This marks another phase in California’s ongoing effort to provide reliable internet access statewide. Projects funded by this program continue to support students, families, small businesses, and farms that have lacked adequate online connectivity.
Many Californians still live in areas where high-speed internet is unavailable. For these residents, the lack of reliable service means missing out on remote work, telehealth services, and educational opportunities. The CASF Infrastructure Grant Account, managed by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), addresses this gap by funding broadband providers, cooperatives, and local governments to build essential infrastructure such as fiber networks and fixed wireless systems.
According to the CPUC, “The CPUC’s goal is clear: make broadband access universal, affordable, and resilient for all Californians.”
Recent CASF-funded projects include several initiatives across the state:
– The Aromas–San Juan Project in Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz Counties received nearly $29.5 million to deliver fiber and fixed wireless service to over 1,100 unserved households.
– The Three-County Fiber Project in San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz Counties was awarded $10 million to extend last-mile fiber to 465 homes in rural areas.
– In Fresno County’s Coalinga and Huron communities, CalNeva Broadband used just over $500,000 in CASF funds to connect 600 locations with a combination of fiber and fixed wireless technology.
– ConnectAnza Phase 3 in Riverside County saw Anza Electric Cooperative use $6.5 million to expand its fiber network into Mountain Center.
Organizations interested in future funding rounds can review program rules and guidelines on the CASF Infrastructure Grant Account page. Applicants must demonstrate that their projects will serve currently unserved areas with minimum speeds of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload while maintaining cost effectiveness. Approved grantees are required to report progress milestones to the CPUC during construction.
“Every mile of fiber, every new antenna, and every connection made under this program brings the state closer to universal broadband for all,” said Taseen Shamim, Public Information Officer.
“The CASF Infrastructure Grant Account isn’t just about technology, it’s about people: kids doing homework online, seniors checking in with doctors, and small businesses finding customers far beyond their zip code.”
For more information or updates on local projects supported by CASF grants visit the CASF Infrastructure Grant Account page.
When Californians are connected, everyone benefits.
