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County outlines BEAD/CASF broadband opportunities and dark‑fiber assets as providers prepare applications
Summary
Information Services described county survey results, BEAD and CASF project proposals (AT&T, Starlink, Amazon/Leo, Cruzio, Surfnet) and a county-owned 8.1‑mile dark‑fiber asset; the board approved staff recommendations to pursue regional coordination and digital equity work.
County Information Services staff briefed the Board of Supervisors on broadband equity, the results of a countywide connectivity survey and current BEAD/CASF grant activity.
Survey findings: ISD reported 520 survey responses showing 96% of respondents have some form of internet access but many experience outages during emergencies; cable is the most common technology and fiber adoption remains modest. The county highlighted resiliency gaps during emergency events and the importance of reliable service for telehealth, remote work and emergency response.
Funding landscape: staff reviewed California’s BEAD pre‑approvals and CASF project submissions. Pre‑approved ISP projects in or near the county include AT&T (fiber), Starlink (SpaceX), and Amazon’s Leo satellite system; local CASF project applicants include Surfnet and Cruzio (the latter proposing middle‑mile dark fiber into Granite Creek). ISD noted the CPUC will issue a new maps update and that permitting and provider objections can reshape CASF awards.
County assets and opportunities: the county owns about 8.1 miles of advanced fiber installed during the Soquel Drive project that could connect a set of county anchors and be offered to ISPs under lease or trade arrangements; staff described potential annual savings of roughly $30,000–$40,000 if county facilities use that dark fiber instead of leased circuits.
Board action: supervisors asked staff to continue coordination with regional partners (Central Coast Broadband Consortium, MBEP), evaluate potential leasing/trade arrangements with local ISPs and pursue community‑centered digital learning hubs; the board approved the recommendations (recorded vote). Staff will monitor BEAD and CASF outcomes and return with implementation steps as federal/state awards are finalized.
The board also encouraged outreach to increase awareness of low‑cost internet programs from major providers and the state CETF assistance line.
