Six previously un-served California communities to receive broadband

1,294 households in California will receive broadband service for the first time thanks to the recent approval of funding for six separate state projects.

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is allocating over $300,000, which will fund approximately 40 percent of the total project costs for the infrastructure in the six areas: Blanchard, Grenada, Hopland, Mount Wilson, Pinyon and Prattville.

The funding is coming out of the California Advanced Services Fund, which was created twelve months ago to bring broadband services to communities that are currently un-served or underserved.

According to the CPUC Commissioner Rachelle Chong:

“Broadband is a critical infrastructure like utility poles and roads. By granting these first applications, with many more to come, the CPUC hopes to bring every Californian the opportunity to connect to the Internet. By doing so, we give that person the opportunity to buy things on the Internet, start an online business, engage in tele-education, or take advantage of the government and other services online.”

California's model is one that could be broadened and adapted to work on a national level as a foundation of a national broadband strategy.

The first round of applications for funds from the California Advanced Services Fund received 23 applications. While only six were accepted now, the other 17 will be considered in 2009.

CPUC helps bridge digital divide through funding of six broadband projects in unserved areas (CPUC)

California Public Utilities Commission

California invests $100 million for two years of high speed deployment (Speed Matters)