Making digital divide a thing of the past
California just broke ground on one of the most ambitious broadband expansion projects in the nation’s history—a 10,000-mile open-access network that will deliver high-speed internet to underserved and unserved communities across the state.
The project is part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s $6.5 billion investment in broadband infrastructure, a key pillar of the state’s Broadband for All initiative. Construction began this week in rural San Diego County, where officials gathered to mark the start of the Middle Mile Broadband Initiative—a network designed to connect every corner of California, no matter the zip code.
“California is now one step closer to making the digital divide a thing of the past,” said Governor Newsom. “We’re starting construction today to get affordable high-speed internet in every California home because livelihoods depend on equitable access to a reliable and fast internet connection.”
What Is the Middle Mile—and Why Does It Matter?
The Middle Mile refers to the physical infrastructure—fiber optic cables, conduits, and switching centers—that moves internet traffic between large networks and local service providers. It’s the critical backbone that makes high-speed access possible but isn’t always built out in rural or low-income areas.
California’s $3.6 billion Middle Mile network will be the largest state-owned broadband network in the country, laying the foundation for the next phase: Last Mile connections that bring service directly to homes and businesses.
A Future-Focused Investment in Equity
This initiative isn’t just about internet access—it’s about opportunity. Today, nearly one in five Californians lack reliable, affordable high-speed internet. That’s a barrier to education, employment, healthcare, and civic participation.
To close that gap, the state’s 2021 broadband legislation committed:
$3.25 billion for building, operating, and maintaining the Middle Mile network
$2 billion for Last Mile projects to connect homes and businesses
$750 million to help local governments and nonprofits secure financing through a dedicated loan loss reserve fund
The creation of a broadband czar and an interagency broadband advisory committee to coordinate this work statewide
In 2023, California added another $550 million to accelerate construction and expand access even further.
Laying the First Mile of the Middle Mile
At a launch event on State Route 67 near Poway, 500 feet of fiber optic cable was installed—marking the first tangible step in a project that will transform internet access for millions of Californians. As the cable network grows, so will the opportunities it unlocks.
This isn’t just an infrastructure project—it’s a long-term investment in equity, education, and economic growth. And it’s only the beginning.
