An expert panel directed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom to develop a strategy to attain affordable universal access to advanced telecommunications estimates it would cost $6.8 billion to build passive optical fiber network infrastructure in support of that goal in areas of the Golden State where fiber hasn’t been deployed. The California Broadband Council’s Broadband Action Plan for 2020 – the first year of an iterative five year plan – notes America’s largest state has faced longstanding advanced telecommunications infrastructure deficits, which it terms a “complex and deep rooted” challenge.
“Providing fiber connectivity across California will take a long time, and require considerable investment from the state and the federal government,” the plan notes. It calls for Identifying alternative financing opportunities with government and philanthropic partners to maximize funding for new infrastructure. These include working with local governments to explore opportunities for public financing, including but not limited to bond instruments and alternative financial models and strategies such as making public infrastructure available for lease.
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