NATOMAS – The Newsom Administration, local officials, and Arcadian Infracom on Aug 29 announced the groundbreaking of a crucial segment of California’s Middle-Mile Broadband Network. The Capitol Route groundbreaking in Natomas celebrates California’s work in building the nation’s largest open-access, Middle-Mile Broadband Network.

Today’s groundbreaking is a milestone in a 256-mile route of new open-access broadband fiber spanning from San Jose in Silicon Valley through the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Carson City, Nevada. This essential infrastructure spans communities that millions of Californians call home, and is a vital part of California’s comprehensive approach to closing the digital divide.

The Middle-Mile Broadband Network is a key part of Governor Newsom’s build more, faster agenda delivering infrastructure upgrades across the state.

“We’re working in real-time to realize our bold vision of ensuring all Californians have access to high-speed internet, no matter where they come from or how much they make. The Middle Mile Broadband Network is about more than technology — we’re connecting local communities that have for too long been left off the digital map,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

With 1,666 miles of active installation and construction, the California Department of Technology is working to deliver over 8,000 miles of broadband fiber — enabling more affordable and reliable broadband access for many of the most unserved and underserved communities in the state.

In the next three months, the Middle-Mile Broadband Network will kick off construction on 33 segments spanning over 1,590 miles – building toward an estimated 3,256 miles in construction by the end of 2024.

This initiative ensures that California has a resilient, open-access broadband network enabling communities to connect to the middle-mile for generations to come.