Fall 2025 Broadband Caseworker News from the California Public Utilities Commission

Fall 2025 Broadband Caseworker News

Closing California's Digital Divide

Through Collaboration

Yurok Telecomm and Karuk Fiber are Bringing High Speed Internet to Klamath River Communities

In October, Yurok Telecommunications Corporation and Karuk Fiber celebrated their partnership constructing a new fiber network. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), including the Broadband Caseworker Team, and others were honored to be part of the kickoff event for this milestone. The broadband infrastructure being built creates opportunities for local jobs and training, improves emergency communications, and expands internet access that supports online learning and telehealth among other benefits.

Conduit on Bald Hills Road

Unwinding Utility Permitting Challenges in Joint State-Federal Rights of Way Workshop

The Blue Lake Rancheria hosted a workshop, jointly led by the CPUC and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, on September 30th. With a focus on utility infrastructure development on tribal lands in Northern California, the program addressed various challenges with permitting and rights of way for telecommunications and energy projects. The day was an opportunity for sharing perspectives on issues and solutions. Participants included representatives from the Hoopa Valley Public Utilities Commission, Yurok Tribe, Blue Lake Rancheria, utility providers, state and federal agencies.

CPUC Commissioners Houck and Baker

with CPUC teams at Blue Lake Rancheria

Addressing Affordability with the LineLine Home Broadband Pilot Program

The new three-year California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot Program will expand California LifeLine beyond voice beginning in 2026. The pilot will help close the broadband affordability gap with a $20 monthly subsidy for standalone broadband service, $30 for broadband bundled with voice from the same provider, and up to $39 annually for the cost of a new connection.

Internet service providers can file to participate in the pilot and learn more about this new broadband affordability pilot and regular program updates on the California LifeLine webpage. Internet service providers currently participating in Lifeline can file to offer service under the pilot.

Key Dates

Currently accepting grant applications:

Tribal Technical Assistance Broadband Grants – Apply by Jan 1, April 1, July 1, Oct 1

CASF Broadband Public Housing Account – Apply by Jan 1 and July 1

CASF Broadband Adoption Account – Apply by Jan 1 and July 1

Sign-up here to receive updates from CPUC broadband programs of interest.

Broadband Caseworkers provide expertise to assist communities, Tribes, and partners improve connectivity in California. Contact: BroadbandCaseworkers@cpuc.ca.gov.

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