San Francisco, Oakland, and Fremont to benefit from $32 million grant for broadband expansion
San Francisco, California – The California Public Utilities Commission has set aside $32 million to improve internet connectivity in San Francisco, Oakland, and Fremont in a significant attempt to close the digital gap. Designed to link underprivileged areas all throughout the state, this money is part of the first payment from the $2 billion Last Mile Federal Funding Account Grant Program.
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The recent grant announcement follows an intense competition that saw the commission inundated with 484 applications, totaling demands upwards of $4.6 billion. The chosen initiatives concentrate on areas with little or nonexistent connectivity, therefore allowing more people to use consistent internet services.
Targeting around 6,820 households without existing internet connectivity, Fremont is set to receive $7.6 million, the biggest amount targeted at a single city. Director of Information Technology Services for Fremont, Sanford Taylor, underlined the value of the expenditure.
“Enhancing this critical utility will promote digital equity in underserved areas of the community and create a broadband-rich environment to support local economic growth,” said Sanford Taylor, the city’s information technology services director, as reported by NBC Bay Area.
Just over $14 million has been awarded to Oakland for upgrading broadband infrastructure in West Oakland, Downtown, Fruitvale, and East Oakland among other important neighborhoods. With an estimated 3,474 residents expected to benefit of this development, these areas mostly contain low-income families. Sheng Thao, Oakland’s mayor, hailed the money as a “significant milestone” in the city’s attempts toward global connectedness.
Particularly those who have been left behind in the digital era, this award will empower the affected populations so they have the skills required for education, employment, and digital world involvement.
With its $10 million share, San Francisco will improve connectivity for an expected 5,571 citizens in neighborhoods like Bayview, Chinatown, and the Tenderloin. Along with supporting small, underprivileged businesses, the city’s plan calls for not only extending the reach of internet connection but also offering access to vulnerable populations such residents in affordable housing and single room occupancy hotels.
Still, the availability of this money depends on the reviews under the California Environmental Quality Act being completed successfully. These studies are absolutely essential to make sure the initiatives for the growth of broadband fit the public health and environmental policies of the state.
The Bay Area’s digital disparity will be lessened with the California Public Utilities Commission’s ruling, therefore opening the path for more digital era inclusivity and access.
