CPUC Awards $1.4M for Public Housing Broadband Projects

The California Public Utilities Commission awarded about $1.4 million in California Advanced Services Fund grants to 19 public housing broadband projects through the CASF Public Housing Account, the CPUC said Thursday. Commissioners voted 5-0 for the proposed order (resolution T-17775). The projects by three applicants -- Surf Development Company, Self-Help Enterprises and People’s Self-Help -- will bring free broadband service to 800 public housing units, it said. The projects will bring wireless or wired broadband networks that provide at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds, even during peak usage times from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., the CPUC said. “Broadband service is not accessible if it is not affordable, and each of these projects will bring us that much closer to ensuring all Californians, regardless of income, have the digital capabilities to work, to study, and to access healthcare and emergency services,” said Commissioner Darcie Houck.