The California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Broadband Public Housing Account, managed by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), offers grants and loans to improve broadband connectivity in low-income communities across California. The program focuses on funding infrastructure projects that provide broadband services meeting or exceeding state standards, now set at 100 Mbps download / 20 Mbps upload. Eligible applicants include publicly supported housing developments, farmworker housing, mobile home parks, and other housing developments serving low-income residents.
For the fiscal year 2024-2025, the CASF Broadband Public Housing Account has allocated $30.141 million to cover up to 100% of eligible costs for installing broadband network infrastructure, inside wiring, and equipment. However, the program does not finance operational or maintenance expenses. The expanded eligibility criteria allow tribal housing developments, mobile home parks, and other non-publicly supported housing projects to apply, broadening access to underserved communities. Additionally, the program now supports internet extension projects and reimburses interconnection and backhaul costs.
Applications can be submitted at any time, with batch deadlines on July 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025. Proposals submitted after a deadline roll into the next application cycle. Applications must include a complete application package, a notarized affidavit, and a CEQA questionnaire. Each batch of applications is reviewed collectively, and the CPUC posts notices of received applications on its website following each review cycle.
The program emphasizes tenant protections for non-public housing developments, including tribal and farmworker housing, ensuring that residents benefit equitably. Higher funding caps have been introduced, reflecting the program’s commitment to addressing connectivity needs in historically underserved communities. To facilitate access, the CASF covers project costs for last-mile infrastructure and provides support for projects in Census block groups with household incomes at or below 80% of the statewide or county-specific median income thresholds.
Applicants can access detailed guidelines, application instructions, and forms for infrastructure and internet extension projects on the CASF website. For further questions, the CPUC can be contacted at CPUC_Housing@cpuc.ca.gov. This initiative is a crucial step toward digital equity, ensuring that low-income residents across California have reliable and affordable broadband access.
