State and Federal Grants for Broadband

According to San Diego County’s Comprehensive Broadband Plan (2023), an estimated 37,000 households (22%) in the unincorporated area do not have access to affordable or reliable internet. The County is monitoring public funding opportunities and looking for ways to partner with local public and private entities for future State and Federal funding opportunities to bring funding for broadband programs in the unincorporated areas of the County. 

If you or your business are interested in joining efforts with the County, please contact broadband.grants@sdcounty.ca.gov. 

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding

Public funding opportunities became available for high-speed, reliable internet during the pandemic when it became evident that internet was a primary means of staying connected through the pandemic. In 2021 the County of San Diego (the County) Board of Supervisors approved American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to the County’s Land Use and Environmental Group (LUEG) to increase broadband access for the unincorporated areas of the County. These funds were initially intended to fund broadband infrastructure in the unincorporated County, and through an assessment of the rural areas, have been expanded to include other options that may yield more widespread access and return on investment. 

The County will be making these funds available to eligible applicants which include Internet Service Providers (ISPs) that are capable of providing broadband services and or monthly internet for communities in the unincorporated County. Additionally, Nonprofits, governmental agencies, education providers, and cooperatives may be considered eligible if they are able to demonstrate the capacity to provide internet services or have a partnership with an ISP that can provide the internet services. 

The application window is projected to be open from July 10, 2024 thru August 21, 2024. Please note that the dates are merely projections and the County reserves the right to modify this schedule as needed. Interested applicants are encouraged to check back at this website for updates or submit inquiries to broadband.grants@sdcounty.ca.gov.

State Digital Equity Grants

The State of California has dedicated significant investments towards expanding broadband internet, for public remote-access to economic, education and health. This year there will be up to $2.69 billion dollars of funding available. The California Department of Technology (CDT) recently released a draft State Digital Equity Plan (Plan) to serve as a guide for upcoming grants. The State Digital Equity Grant Competitive Grant will be available for direct applications to the State to fund projects that support digital skills training, devices and accessories. The State will apply for the Digital Equity Capacity Grant directly through the Federal Government based on the goal areas outline in the Plan and through partnerships it develops statewide. To find out more information on these grant and rulemaking, visit the CDT website. 

See below for a table on information on these grants and additional broadband-related grants.