CPUC Approves $53 Million to Expand

Tribal Broadband Infrastructure in Rural California

On July 2nd, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved nearly $53 million in California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) grants to expand broadband infrastructure in some of California’s most underserved rural and tribal communities.

The funding includes more than $49.9 million for two tribal-led broadband projects in San Diego County and more than $3 million for broadband projects serving communities in Humboldt, Inyo, and Siskiyou counties. Together, the projects will bring high-speed internet access to more than 1,000 previously unserved locations, helping residents connect to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, emergency services, and other essential online resources.

“High-speed internet is essential infrastructure for everyday life,” said CPUC President John Reynolds. “These projects will meet the work, education, healthcare, and public safety needs of these rural and Tribal communities well into the future, bringing us closer to achieving our state’s Broadband For All objectives.”

Investing in Tribal Broadband

The CPUC approved two CASF Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account awards totaling up to $49,954,375 for tribal-led broadband projects in San Diego County.


The projects include:

• Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel: Up to $24,970,970 to construct a tribal-owned broadband network serving 182 unserved locations through new middle-mile and last-mile fiber infrastructure.
• Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians: Up to $24,983,405 to build a tribal-owned broadband network serving 383 unserved locations using a combination of fiber-optic and fixed wireless technology.

Both tribes will own and operate their broadband networks through newly established tribal internet service providers, strengthening tribal self-determination while creating local expertise to build, operate, and maintain the systems. The projects will also connect to California's statewide open-access Middle-Mile Broadband Network, expanding broadband availability for years to come.

Read the full story here: CPUC Approves $53 Million to Expand Tribal Broadband Infrastructure in Rural California

Regional Workshop on Development of

Tribal Broadband Consortia

Hosted by Mechoopda Indian Tribe of Chico Rancheria at CSU Chico

Please SAVE THE DATE for Tuesday, July 14 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. for the first 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 located at Colusa Hall 100, CSU Chico Campus, Chico, California.

All Tribal Governments, Regional Broadband Consortia and other interested stakeholders are welcome. Please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/4XaN5eZABkWA2ewu9 A remote option is available, in-person attendance is encouraged! See more information below in the meetings and workshop section of this newsletter.

The final agenda for the workshop will be posted at the following pages:

• Commissioner Darcie L. Houck
• CASF Rural and Urban Regional Broadband Consortia Account

If your Tribe is interested in hosting a similar workshop in your region, please contact TribalAdvisor@cpuc.ca.gov or Caleb.Jones@cpuc.ca.gov.

Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)

History and Background

Over the last decade, California has experienced increased, intense, and record-breaking wildfires in California. These wildfires have resulted in a devastating loss of life and billions of dollars in property and infrastructure damage. Historically, electric utility infrastructure has been responsible for less than 10% of reported wildfires. However, wildfires attributed to electrical infrastructure consist of roughly half of the most destructive wildfires in California history. With the continuing threat of wildfire, the electric investor-owned utilities (IOUs) may proactively cut power to electrical lines as a measure of last resort if the utility reasonably believes that there is an imminent and significant risk that strong winds may topple power lines or cause major vegetation-related issues leading to increased risk of wildfires. This effort is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). While PSPS events may reduce the risk of utility-associated wildfires, PSPS events can leave communities and essential facilities without power, which brings its own risks and hardships, especially for vulnerable communities and individuals.

For more information, click here: Public Safety Power Shutoffs

To see utility Power Outage Maps, please click here to find your utility provider: Power Outage Maps