Graduate student presents findings on California’s digital divide; commission hears technology-neutral, outcome-driven recommendations

Fenny Desriani, a graduate student at UC Berkeley, presented research July 1 showing that despite large state commitments to broadband, significant gaps remain — especially in inland and rural counties — and that program definitions, mapping and permitting delays prevent targeted investment.

"California has nearly universal broadband coverage. However, the reality says otherwise," Desriani said, summarizing why differing program definitions and incumbent-provider markets leave many communities underserved. She estimated roughly $4.5 billion of committed broadband funds but said inconsistent eligibility rules, slow grant reimbursement processes and weak local permitting capacity have limited impact.

Desriani recommended an outcome-driven, technology-neutral model that would tie funding to measurable access outcomes, streamline grant processes, accelerate permitting, and require open access to middle-mile or last-mile infrastructure so multiple providers can compete. She cited three case studies: Tarana fixed wireless deployments tailored to difficult terrain, municipal fiber-to-the-home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and an open-access middle-mile approach used in Estonia.

Commissioners praised the analysis as clear and actionable. Commissioner Beyer called it among the best public-policy presentations he has seen, and several commissioners urged staff to use the findings when scoping future work on state technology and broadband policy.

Next steps: staff may draw on the presentation in scoping memos for future studies on technology and state government oversight.