Interstate 5 Middle Mile Broadband Network Project 10-25-X-XX-0172

Arcadian, in coordination with the California Department of Technology and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), proposes to install underground broadband infrastructure, consisting of conduit, fiber optic cable, vaults, and markers on Interstate 5 (I-5) between post mile (PM) 39.572 and PM 49.819 in San Joaquin County Purpose: This Middle-Mile Broadband Network project will install the broadband infrastructure along the State Highway System (SHS) necessary to connect to a third-party operated Last Mile Broadband Network which will bring internet connectivity to homes, businesses, and community institutions. Need: In July 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 156 to create an open-access middle-mile network to bring high-speed broadband service to all Californians. The lack of available middle-mile broadband infrastructure has been a major issue in connecting California’s communities. The statewide open-access middle-mile network included in SB 156 is a foundational investment to ensure every Californian has access to broadband Internet service that meets the connectivity needs of today, and well into the future. This project intends to support providing critical statewide broadband infrastructure to enhance access to and increase the affordability of high-speed internet for all Californians.