The California Public Utilities Commission announced on Mar. 12 that it will hold its annual California Advanced Services Fund Public Workshop on April 22 in San Francisco. The event aims to bring together regional consortia, local governments, broadband providers, stakeholders, and consumers to discuss ways to expand broadband infrastructure and encourage broadband adoption in unserved communities across the state.
The workshop is intended as a collaborative forum for participants to share ideas and develop cost-effective strategies for closing the digital divide in California. The CPUC said that while a quorum of commissioners or their staff may attend, no official action will be taken during the event.
The meeting will take place at the CPUC Auditorium at 505 Van Ness Ave., with remote access available via webcast and phone. Members of the public can provide comments by phone, following instructions provided by the commission. Special accommodations such as non-English or sign language interpreters are available upon request if arranged at least five days before the workshop.
Since its inception in 2008, the California Advanced Services Fund has supported efforts to extend broadband service to unserved areas by providing subsidies for building fiber-optic, fixed wireless, hybrid fiber-coaxial, and copper-based projects. The program’s goal is to make broadband accessible to 98 percent of households in each consortia region by 2032. It is one of six telecommunications Public Purpose Programs funded through a surcharge.
The CPUC regulates services and utilities throughout California with a focus on consumer protection, environmental safeguards, and ensuring reliable utility infrastructure.
