Fiber Network Deployment
Golden State Connect Authority is directly deploying an open-access, municipal fiber network internet in select rural communities.
Golden State Connect Authority is actively deploying internet a fiber broadband network in seven rural jurisdictions in California utilizing an innovative open-access municipal model
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has awarded Golden State Connect Authority $50 million in Broadband Loan Loss Reserve Program funding and $185.4 million in Federal Fund Account (FFA)/Last-Mile Program Round One funding for the installation of a municipal fiber network in seven rural jurisdictions. It is the intent of Golden State Connect Authority to begin implementation with these initial locations and then expand to additional project areas as “Golden State Fiber”, a division of Golden State Connect Authority.
Open-Access Municipal Model
These projects will utilize an Open-Access municipal model, in which GSCA will finance, construct, own, operate and maintain a fiber network on which multiple internet service providers will complete for rural customers, thusbringing the price of connectivity down
To assist in administrating this effort, Golden State Connect has partnered with UTOPIA Fiber, an industry leader in the Open-Access municipal network model and the operator of the largest Open-Access, municipal fiber network in the United States. Together, Golden State Connect and UTOPIA Fiber will deploy a broadband network to rural communities through Golden State Fiber.
Implementation Projects
Golden State Connect Authority will begin deploying Golden State Fiber in seven initial project communities, with the intent to expand to additional areas in the future. These projects are located in Alpine, Amador, Glenn, Imperial, Mono, and Tehama counties as well as the Town of Mammoth Lakes. Pre-construction planning is underway with construction expected to begin in late 2025.
Golden State Connect Authority will provide further information to the public as the projects progress. Additionally, stay tuned for the launch of Golden State Fiber’s website.
Interested in partnering with Golden State Connect Authority as we roll out our open access networks?
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