The plan, which Newsom commissioned, centers on three long-term goals — making access to “high-performance broadband” available at home and in schools, libraries and businesses; giving residents access to affordable broadband and the devices they need to access the Internet; and providing the training and support “to enable digital inclusion.” Its final version expands on previous drafts with a summary of a 12-month action plan. Among its recommendations:
- “Simplify processes and leverage existing assets and construction,” by implementing a “Dig Smart” policy on conduit installation on any “appropriate and feasible” state-funded transportation initiative in a strategic corridor as an incentive to connect unserved and underserved communities. It also recommends continuing to improve permitting processes and rights-of-way management to accelerate broadband deployment to those same communities; and looking at ways to enhance permitting processes across government “through meaningful partnerships” — including through semi-annual meetings with providers and local governments to improve those processes.
- To modernize broadband speed and performance standards, the plan calls for working with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to modernize state “universal service programs” to support the deployment and maintenance of broadband networks. It also recommends spending more on expanding broadband availability statewide and establishing obligations for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) “to serve all customers.” To “promote affordable broadband service and devices,” the plan calls for partnering with Internet service providers to “promote, track and publicly” progress on the adoption of affordable Internet and devices statewide. The plan also recommends identifying state property “for possible use for broadband infrastructure … to accelerate broadband deployment,” based on criteria identified by the CPUC, the California Department of Transportation and other agencies.
- Newsom’s proposed budget, released Jan. 8, says “local governments and regional agencies must be supported in identifying gaps in broadband availability and improving broadband infrastructure within their jurisdictions.” It pledges “statewide investments in … broadband programs.” In its section on higher education, it pledges a “cost increase” of $8 million from “ongoing Prop. 98 General Fund” — likely, monies supplied to the General Fund by Prop. 98 — to pay for “cost increases associated with continued broadband access” from the Corporation for Education Network Initiatives in California (CENIC) and an additional $246,000 in “ongoing General Fund” monies for CENIC initiatives.
