California Paves Way to Expand Broadband Services to Rural Areas

The measure aims to improve internet connectivity across California to provide “digital equity” in rural areas.

A student works on a computer at Freedom Preparatory Academy in Prove, Utah, on Feb. 10, 2021. George Frey/Getty Images

California is changing rules to allow some agencies to lease state property to internet service providers in an effort to speed up broadband development in rural locations.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 387 Oct. 8, a law that authorizes the state’s Department of General Services to lease property for other state agencies to support building broadband infrastructure to connect unserved or underserved regions in the state.