Drivers on Susanville’s Main Street will get a firsthand look at installation of California’s new broadband network this summer as crews work to implement the state’s directive to bring high-quality broadband to rural communities underserved by telecom companies.
Here in Lassen County crews will install more than 200 miles of network infrastructure including conduit installation, vault placement, fiber pulling, splicing, huts placement, power connection and electronics installation.
Advancing California’s commitment to bridge the digital divide, this is one of 18 statewide projects that will provide missing infrastructure paths to bring broadband to rural communities.
It’s part of a $6 billion broadband investment that will connect to the core of the global internet and interconnect to last-mile infrastructure, which is the final leg that provides internet service to a customer.
What is a ‘middle-mile’ network? The middle-mile is the physical fiber optic infrastructure needed to enable internet connectivity. It is made up of high-capacity fiber lines that carry large amounts of data at high speeds over long distances. An open-access network gives providers and entities access to broadband infrastructure that will allow any networks to connect on equal economic and service terms.
“A reliable broadband connection makes the difference between having access to full-service health care, education and employment or sometimes going without,” said State Chief Information Officer Amy Tong.
“Through a historic partnership between our Governor, the Legislature, state agencies and a third-party administrator, we are taking immediate action to improve connectivity for Californians in the northern, central and southern parts of the state.”
