Placer County Broadband Equity Program
Placer County Broadband Expansion Initiative
Placer County is committed to ensuring that all residents and businesses have access to reliable, high-speed broadband services. Expanding broadband access is a top priority, and we are working diligently to bridge the digital divide in our community. Through annual countywide surveys, we assess existing broadband service quality to measure service availability and quality improvement over the coming years.
We are proud to share the details of our three broadband expansion projects, which mark significant milestones in our efforts to improve broadband access throughout Placer County. These projects have been made possible through collective funding efforts from various sources, showcasing a solid commitment to investing in our community's digital future. Funding for these projects includes a combination of CARES Act funding from the State of California, Federal American Rescue Act funding, investments approved by the Placer County Board of Supervisors, and public-private partnerships with local providers. This multi-faceted funding approach reflects the importance and urgency of expanding broadband access to underserved areas. Together, we are making substantial investments to ensure that all residents and businesses in Placer County have reliable, high-speed internet access.
Broadband Project #1: Astound Broadband Contract Award
We are excited to share that on October 12, 2021, the Placer County Board of Supervisors approved a contract award to Astound Broadband for the extension of fiber broadband services. This project brought fiber broadband to approximately 1,500 unserved or underserved households and businesses in Auburn, North Auburn, and Penryn. The total cost of this project was $2,260,596, with Placer County committing $500,000 in funding and Astound Broadband contributing the remainder. We anticipate the completion of this project in the late summer of 2023.
Broadband Project #2: Penryn Expansion
In our continuous efforts to expand broadband access, the Board approved a second project in the Penryn community on September 13, 2022. This project aims to reach an additional 638 households and businesses. The total cost for the Penryn project is estimated at $2,107,731, with Placer County providing $1,117,097 in grant funding. Astound Broadband has committed to funding the remainder of the project. We anticipate the completion of this project in late summer of 2024.
Broadband Project #3: Extensive Coverage
We are thrilled to announce the approval of our third broadband expansion project on April 18, 2023. This project encompasses seven project areas, including Sheridan, Newcastle, Loomis, South Auburn, North Auburn, Meadow Vista, and Folsom Lake Estates, aiming to bring broadband access to approximately 11,000 homes. The total cost for these additional project areas is estimated to be $31,063,990. Placer County has allocated $17,291,415 in grant funding towards this project, and Astound Broadband will contribute the remaining funds. We anticipate the completion of this project by the end of 2026.
Project Areas and 2023 Survey Results
Community Engagement and Feedback
At Placer County, we value our residents and local businesses input and feedback. We are dedicated to ensuring our broadband expansion efforts align with the community's needs. We invite you to take our feedback survey to help us better understand your broadband experience and gather valuable insights. Your responses will help inform future high-speed internet projects.
We are excited about our progress and the opportunities that expanded broadband access brings to our community. Together, we can bridge the digital divide and create a more connected Placer County. Thank you for your support and participation in this important initiative!
News Releases
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