When construction began on the Equal Access Summits to the Sea project, it marked a significant development for communities in Santa Cruz County that have experienced unreliable internet access. The project is making a difference for Cruzio customers in rural and mountainous regions, thanks to support from the California Public Utilities Commission’s (CPUC) California Advanced Services Fund Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account (CASF).
Carlisle Landel and Cap Pennell are two residents who have seen improvements firsthand.
Carlisle explained, “For us, it just gave another mode of access. A cheaper and faster mode of access than what we could have before.” He noted that daily activities such as banking, paying bills, reading news, and keeping in touch with friends now depend on being online. In his area, poor cell service makes internet-based calling especially valuable. “Our cellular access here is actually very bad. So having voice over internet is a tremendous advantage,” said Carlisle.
Cap also noticed immediate benefits from the upgrade. “I have improved internet access in my home, and it works very well,” he said. “No more glitching on videos or other signs of a slow internet.” After years of coping with slower service, Cap described greater comfort and fewer interruptions.
The CASF Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account supports projects like this by providing grants to build broadband networks in areas without reliable high-speed internet. The program targets rural or underserved communities where private investment may not be feasible, helping to cover major construction costs and expand connectivity across California.
With CASF funding, Cruzio will connect 759 previously unserved households across four counties. The stories of Carlisle and Cap highlight how improved broadband access can provide essential opportunities for participation in modern life.
Information about eligibility and application steps for CASF funding is available at the CPUC’s CASF Infrastructure Grant webpage.
