CPUC Last Mile Broadband Deployment Project Brings

Connectivity to Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation

With assistance from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation in Northern California near the Oregon state line is preparing to deploy its first tribal-owned fiber network that will provide faster connectivity for the tribe and allow it to manage its own private network.

Funded through the CPUC’s Last Mile grant, the Tolowa Federal Funding Account broadband project encompasses 10 miles of fiber that’s mostly underground, running north along Highway 101 near the Oregon border and south to Dr. Fine Bridge in Smith River Del Norte County. It will serve 16 businesses, 13 anchor institutions, three public safety locations, benefiting 1,206 people. The Federal Funding Account is a CPUC grant program for Last Mile infrastructure projects with a focus on connecting Californians to broadband services.

“This fiber will be the backbone of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation’s internet and access to the outside world. As speeds improve, technology shifts, and the way we all interact changes, the tribe can be confident that we have the infrastructure to move forward.

There’s a huge community benefit. We think our costs for internet will go from sky-high down to affordable because we have our own broadband network, bringing reliable, affordable broadband to so many homes,” said Tim Hoone, Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Planning Director.

The Federal Funding Account broadband project connects to California’s Middle Mile network, giving the tribe leverage to provide broadband 21 miles south to Cresent City to connect to the Yurok Telecommunications Corporation’s Middle Mile section. Together, the two projects will provide 55 miles of tribal-owned fiber in which the greater Humboldt and Del Norte County region will benefit from.


Full story can be found here: Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Last Mile Broadband Deployment Project Improves Tribal Governance

Save the Date!

Regional Workshop on Development of Tribal Broadband Consortia

Hosted by the Hoopa Valley Tribe

Please SAVE THE DATE for Tuesday, September 22 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. for the third and final Regional Workshop on Development of Tribal Broadband Consortia. This event will focus on the development of up to three Tribal Broadband Consortia to provide technical assistance to Tribes interested in broadband grants from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).

The workshop will be held in-person with a remote attendance option, and in-person attendance is encouraged. The purpose of the workshop is to receive Tribal feedback on application materials and the Tribal Consortia opportunity. This grant is based on the existing grant program for Regional Broadband Consortia, which assists broadband infrastructure grant applicants in developing projects or applying for funding.

RSVP here: RSVP for Broadband Workshop - September 22

To join remotely: https://cpuc.webex.com/cpuc/j.php?MTID=m46bec7233443f4d0205dde5515508a3c

Password: 2026

Join by Phone: 1-855-282-6330

Access Code: 2481 358 7896

Final agenda for the workshop is forthcoming, and for questions about the workshop or to request a consultation with Commissioner Houck, please contact the following:

- Caleb Jones, Advisor to Commissioner Houck, Caleb.Jones@cpuc.ca.gov

- Thomas Gates, Office of the Tribal Advisor, Thomas.Gates@cpuc.ca.gov

CASF Rural and Urban Regional Broadband Consortia Account

Reminder Notice of Virtual Consultation:

Group Consultation on Wireless Service Quality

R.26-02-017

Hosted by the CPUC

Please attend the virtual Tribal Consultation in the Rulemaking to Consider Service Quality Rules for Wireless Carriers, Rulemaking (R.)26-02-017.

The CPUC is responsible for ensuring that essential communications services, including wireless voice service, are safe and reliable for all Californians, particularly regarding access to 911 and communications during emergencies or disasters.

The purpose of this Consultation is to introduce Tribes to and get feedback regarding the Staff Proposal in the proceeding.

Date: Tuesday, September 8,

Time:10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 

Consultation Link: Join Here

Password: consult (2667858 when dialing from a phone)

Join by Phone: 1-855-282-6330 Access Code: 2483 985 7441

More information on the proposal and previous workshop materials can be found below:

- Staff Proposal

- Summary of June 25, 2026, Workshop

- Wireless Service Quality Workshop slides from June 25, 2026

For questions about the proceeding or consultation logistics, please contact the following:

- Victor Smith, Advisor to Commissioner Houck, Victor.Smith@cpuc.ca.gov

- Caleb Jones, Advisor to Commissioner Houck, Caleb.Jones@cpuc.ca.gov

- Thomas Gates, Office of the Tribal Advisor, TribalAdvisor@cpuc.ca.gov