California Construction News staff writer
California is set to surpass 3,000 miles of broadband network construction and expansion by the end of this year.
Recent joint-build agreements with the Karuk Tribe in Northern California and the Gateway Cities Council of Governments in Southern California will extend broadband access across both rural and urban areas. These new partnerships will bring 46 miles of broadband to the Karuk Tribe’s lands and 73 miles to Southeast Los Angeles County, benefiting 26 cities that have historically lacked reliable internet access.
The expansion is part of a broader push to improve infrastructure across the state, with the goal of ensuring more equitable access to the digital tools necessary for education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.
“We have always recognized that broadband is essential for the future of our community,” said Russell Attebery, chairman of the Karuk Tribe. “This initiative isn’t just about technology; it’s about ensuring our people have the tools they need for a better quality of life.”
In Southeast Los Angeles County, the Gateway Cities Council of Governments is working with local communities to bring high-speed internet to neighborhoods that have struggled with poor or no broadband access.
“For far too long, communities like ours have been stuck on the wrong side of the digital divide,” said Vilma Cuellar-Stallings, board president of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments. “This project will change that, providing opportunities for residents to connect with education, job resources, and essential services.”
Project milestones:
- More than 2,700 miles of broadband infrastructure are already under construction, with an additional 300 miles expected to be completed by the end of the year.
- There are now 10 tribal joint-build partnerships underway across the state, bringing broadband access to tribal lands.
- The expansion will reach all 58 counties in California, with a total of 8,000 miles of broadband fiber expected to be installed statewide by 2025.
- In addition to the 3,000 miles planned for completion this year, 4,000 more miles are slated for construction by spring 2025.
