CPUC Virtual Workshop: Bridging the Broadband Gap in California
Connectivity for All: CASF Annual Workshop Aims to Expand Broadband Access
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold a virtual workshop to consult with regional consortia, local governments, broadband providers, consumers, and other stakeholders on cost-effective strategies for expanding broadband access in unserved areas of the state.
WHAT: CPUC California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Annual Public Workshop
WHEN: April 29, 2024, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
WHERE: This is a virtual event. Access to the workshop via webcast or phone is as follows:
- Live video broadcast with English captions via webcast: www.adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc/workshop/20240429
- Participants who choose to participate via webcast will have access to the audio and video broadcast but will not be able to participate in the Q&A portion of the workshop. If you would like to pose a question during the workshop, the phone-in information is below.
- For captions, after clicking on the name of the workshop, click the green button below the video. Then, select captions by clicking on the white icon next to the word “live” at the bottom of the video.
- The workshop will also be recorded and archived for future viewing at the link above.
- Phone: 1-800-857-1917, passcode: 1673482#
- Participants will have audio in English and will be able to ask a question. After entering the passcode, when prompted press *1, unmute your phone, and record your name.
- Public officials wishing to speak at the workshop should provide the telephone operator with their name, title, and governmental entity.
- The operator will call on you when it is your turn to speak.
- Remote participants may email questions before, during, or after the workshop to: CASF_Workshop@cpuc.ca.gov.
BACKGROUND
Since 2008, the CASF has helped close the Digital Divide in California by providing subsidies to build and expand broadband facilities to unserved areas of the state. The program has funded fiber-optic, fixed wireless, hybrid fiber-coaxial, and copper facility-based projects with a goal of making broadband available to 98 percent of households in each consortia region by 2032. Historically, the CASF is funded by a surcharge on revenues collected by telecommunications carriers from end-users for intrastate telecommunications services. This workshop is a forum for the CPUC, regional consortia, stakeholders, local governments, existing facility-based broadband providers, and consumers to collaborate on strategies for expanding broadband access to unserved areas.
SPECIALIZED ACCOMMODATIONS
If specialized accommodations are needed to attend, such as non-English or American Sign Language interpreters, please contact the CPUC’s Public Advisor’s Office at public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov or toll free at 866-849-8390 at least five business days in advance of the workshop.
MORE INFORMATION
- The most updated information related to the workshop, including an agenda, will be posted here.
- Documents related to the CASF Proceeding are available on the Docket Card.
While a quorum of Commissioners and/or their staff may attend the workshop, no official action will be taken.
To receive electronic updates on CPUC proceedings, sign-up for the CPUC’s free subscription service at subscribecpuc.cpuc.ca.gov.
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About the California Public Utilities Commission
The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. Visit www.cpuc.ca.gov for more information.