MBEP Helps Central Coast Secure $45 Million to Bridge Digital Divide
The Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) secured $45 million from California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) grants for three internet service providers (ISPs) in the Central Coast region. This funding aims to bridge the digital divide by expanding broadband access to underserved communities.
Cruzio Media received $5.65 million for their "Equal Access Summits to the Sea (EAS2C)" project. This project will bring gigabit internet to 759 unserved locations in rural areas across four counties.
Surfnet Communications, Inc. was awarded $10.08 million for their "Three County Fiber Project" to provide high-speed internet to 465 locations in Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Clara counties.
LCB Communications LLC secured $29.48 million for their "Aromas-San Juan Project" which will deploy fiber optic cable and fixed wireless access to 1,101 unserved locations in three counties.
MBEP has been a leader in advocating for digital equity in the Monterey Bay region and played a key role in securing these grants by providing technical expertise and support to the ISPs throughout the application process.
About Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP): Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.
About Surfnet: Surfnet's mission is to provide under-served coastal and mountain communities with reliable, high-speed broadband access and computer-related services that enable local businesses, residents, and telecommuters to fully leverage the latest Internet and communication technologies for their work, study and play.