California Advanced Services Fund: Broadband Public Housing Account

The California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Broadband Public Housing Account is administered by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), a state agency overseeing public utility services. The program provides funding to support broadband infrastructure and internet extension projects in low-income housing developments across California. It aims to bridge the digital divide by ensuring reliable, high-speed internet access for underserved communities. Pursuant to Public Utilities Code section 281, this fund offers grants and loans to support broadband connectivity in publicly supported housing, farmworker housing, mobilehome parks, and other qualified low-income developments. A recent decision, D.24-03-041, expanded eligibility to include non-public housing developments, such as tribal housing, apartment complexes with at least 80% low-income units, and mobilehome parks. Eligible applicants now include nonprofit housing entities, public housing authorities, city or county governments applying on behalf of qualifying Census Block Groups, and more. The program finances up to 100 percent of project costs for last mile infrastructure, inside wiring, broadband equipment, and interconnection and backhaul costs. However, it does not cover operations or maintenance expenses. Key updates also increased both the total project funding cap and per-unit limits and raised the minimum internet speed threshold to 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis but reviewed in biannual cycles, with upcoming deadlines on January 1 and July 1 of each year until funds are exhausted. The total allocated funding for FY 2024–2025 is $30.141 million. Applicants must submit the relevant infrastructure or internet extension application packages, including a notarized affidavit and CEQA questionnaire, to be considered. Payment requests must be made through the CPUC's Electronic Claims and Applications Portal (eCAP). Each submission round is publicly documented on the CPUC website, including a list of received and approved projects. There is no stated limit on the number of awards, and projects are evaluated for alignment with program criteria. For assistance, applicants can contact [email protected]. The program is recurring and expected to continue biannually as long as funding remains available.

Ensure eligibility using median income thresholds and census data before applying.