Last month, LA DEAL joined the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) and California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Commissioner Darcie L. Houck for a broadband roundtable as part of a statewide series of California Advanced Services Fund (CSF) Listening Sessions.

UNITE-LA continues to advance strategies that expand broadband access and strengthen digital equity across California by helping shape the policies, partnerships and investments that guide broadband deployment. This quarter, UNITE-LA engaged state leaders and broadband stakeholders through the California Public Utilities Commission’s California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Annual Workshop to strengthen policies governing regional broadband consortia, improve coordination across funding and implementation efforts and help ensure underserved communities benefit from historic broadband investments. Through this work, UNITE-LA is helping position broadband as essential infrastructure that supports economic opportunity, educational access and community connectivity.

On June 24, 2026, AB 2279 passed out of committee with amendments and is now headed to the Senate Appropriations Committee. This bill seeks to help more people get reliable and affordable internet. AB 2279 strengthens the role of Regional Broadband Consortia (RBCs) that work directly with residents, community stakeholders and local governments to connect them to internet services. This includes helping people find affordable options, sign up for service and learn how to use it in their daily lives. Access to the internet is essential today—for applying to jobs, completing schoolwork, accessing health care and staying connected to family and community.

Closing the digital divide takes more than infrastructure—it takes coordination, investment and community voice. That’s why UNITE-LA was proud to participate in the recent California Public Utilities Commission California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Annual Workshop, where state leaders, industry experts and community organizations came together to align on one goal: expanding equitable access to broadband across California.

Closing the digital divide takes more than infrastructure—it takes coordination, investment and community voice. That’s why UNITE-LA was proud to participate in the recent California Public Utilities Commission California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) Annual Workshop, where state leaders, industry experts and community organizations came together to align on one goal: expanding equitable access to broadband across California.

As part of the convening, UNITE-LA’s Director of Digital Equity, Liliana Aide Monge, shared insights on how updated policies—particularly those guiding regional broadband consortia—can better support deployment and ensure communities are not left behind.

But what does this all mean for Californians?

LA DEAL advanced a coordinated policy and partnership strategy in the first quarter of 2026 to expand broadband access and strengthen digital equity across Los Angeles County. This work included engagement in state regulatory proceedings, federal funding discussions and direct collaboration with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to improve key broadband programs, ensuring underserved communities have access to reliable, high-speed internet.