California’s Middle Mile Network Must Bridge the Digital Divide, Not Reinforce It

Summary

• California passed a law in 2021 to build a middle-mile fiber network to connect unserved and underserved communities.
• The California Department of Technology (CDT) is responsible for implementing the law.
• CDT recently released a new map of the middle-mile network, which omits much of the network that was previously promised to be built in low-income communities.
• The CDT has said that it cut back the middle mile network because inflation has increased building costs.
• However, critics say that the cuts disproportionately impact low-income communities and communities of color.
• They also say that the cuts waste government money and community time and energy.
• They are urging the CDT to work with those on the ground to create equitable middle-mile maps that close the digital divide.