The Californer - Governor Newsom announces California nearly triples internet infrastructure ready to connect homes and businesses

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Jul 17, 2026

Governor Newsom announces California nearly triples internet infrastructure ready to connect homes and businesses

California's broadband operational network just grew to 1,250 miles, ready to serve homes and businesses now

Installation of conduit the protective structure for the broadband fiber.

What you need to know: Governor Newsom has nearly tripled the high-speed internet network that's ready to connect with last-mile internet service providers, growing from 423 miles to 1,250 miles. This is the backbone network California is building to bring fast, reliable internet to homes and businesses across the state — the size of what will be the largest of its kind in the nation.

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that California has nearly tripled the operational reach of the state's Middle-Mile Broadband Network, the state-built network that brings fast, reliable, and affordable internet to communities that don't have it. The new 1,250-mile operational segment is now ready to connect, bringing the network closer to becoming the largest of its kind in the country. Under Governor Newsom's leadership, California is building the infrastructure needed to bring affordable high-speed internet to all Californians.

California is building the nation's largest public broadband network to deliver fast, reliable, and affordable internet to every pocket of our state. Internet isn't a luxury; it's how people get an education, how families see a doctor, and how people find good-paying jobs. Closing the digital divide means ensuring every Californian has the tools to succeed in today's connected economy.

Governor Gavin Newsom

The 1,250-mile operational segment forms a continuous backbone that spans from San Jose south along the Central Coast to Los Angeles, east to Barstow, and north through an interconnection point before extending up to Modoc County in the state's far northeast corner. The milestone builds on momentum from April, when the Governor announced that the Bishop Paiute Tribe became the network's first customer, connected along the Highway 395 segment.

This expansion proves that California's Middle-Mile Broadband Network is open for business. It sends a clear market signal to the companies and communities building the last-mile — the final stretch of cable that reaches into homes and businesses — that the infrastructure they need is ready right now. That includes projects funded through the state's Federal Funding Account (FFA) program, a $2 billion grant program administered by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to fund "last-mile" broadband infrastructure projects in underserved communities, as well as commercial internet providers.

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"Reaching 1,250 operational miles is proof that California's Middle-Mile Broadband Network has moved from construction to commerce," said California State Chief Information Officer and California Department of Technology Director Chris Given. "Every mile we bring online is a mile that the Federal Funding Account grantees and commercial providers can build on right now to deliver affordable, reliable internet to the communities that need it most. This network is open for business, and we are ready to connect California."

"This achievement helps to bring fast, reliable, affordable internet service to all Californians. I am grateful for the continued partnership with the Department of Technology and Caltrans as we fulfill the state's commitment to Broadband for All with these investments in transformational infrastructure," said California Public Utilities Commission President John Reynolds.

Placement of huts which hold specialized electronics necessary for information to travel across the network and world.

California closing the digital divide

The Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative ensures that California has a resilient, open-access broadband network connecting communities to high-speed internet for generations to come. Once complete, last-mile projects will take internet connections from middle-mile lines to homes, schools, businesses, and more.

The middle-mile itself is the physical fiber line infrastructure needed for internet access, capable of carrying large amounts of data at high speeds over long distances. This will bring internet access to previously underserved communities, connecting families to their work, schools, doctors, and friends by way of their devices.

The initiative has now completed or begun active construction on 5,549 miles of the network. That's nearly 70% of the 8,100-mile system.

This network is a key part of Governor Newsom's Build More, Faster — For All infrastructure agenda, which has driven historic investments in broadband that will benefit all Californians for generations. You can find more projects supporting your communities at build.ca.gov.

Building the backbone of digital access

In July 2021, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 156 (SB 156) into law, creating an open-access middle-mile network to bring equitable high-speed broadband service to all Californians. SB 156 provides $3.25 billion to build the necessary infrastructure to bring internet connectivity to homes, businesses, and community institutions.

The Newsom administration has advanced innovative programs to close the digital divide, including programs for digital literacy and the construction of the MMBN. CDT is the lead state department for planning and constructing the middle-mile. The CPUC has awarded over $1.2 billion in last-mile grants, benefiting over 2 million Californians across all 58 counties. Tribes and local governments have played a critical role by leveraging their local planning and funding to fast-track construction.

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California continues to make progress delivering over 8,000 miles of open-access broadband fiber, enabling more affordable and reliable broadband access for many of California's most underserved communities.

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