'Disheartened' CDT Halts Applications for Broadband Grants

The California Department of Technology has announced that, effective immediately, it’s no longer accepting grant applications for the California Digital Equity Program (CalDEP), which was intended to advance its Broadband for All mission.

CDT was notified Friday by the Trump administration that California’s $70 million grant award from the federal government was being immediately terminated. As a result, the state is not accepting applications for funding. It’s not yet clear whether any funds have been granted or allotted.

“We are disheartened by this news and remain committed to fighting for broadband for all Californians,” CDT said in a news release.

Broadband for All is the state’s program “to close the digital divide” by enhancing broadband access, adoption and training — specifically with the goals of improving access to high-speed Internet at homes, schools and libraries; access to affordable Internet services and devices; and access to digital skills and training.

CalDEP aims to address digital equity barriers in the State Digital Equity Plan (SDEP) and support digital inclusion and outcomes related to education, health care, career development and access to essential government benefit programs.

The state embarked on the effort in August 2020, shortly after the pandemic forced many schools, businesses and government offices to shift to virtual operations. Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order that month directing the Broadband Council to develop a statewide broadband action plan and promote digital equity throughout California.

CalDEP is a subgrant program designed to provide funding to statewide, regional and local entities in support of SDEP. Its funding comes through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the measure signed into law by President Joe Biden in November 2021, which allocated $65 billion for broadband expansion nationwide.