California plans to deploy about 1.5 billion of its 1.86 billion BEAD allocation, a share described as larger than that of most states, according to Broadband Breakfast’s coverage of the CPUC filing.
The plan designates the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) as the program administrator and highlights satellites as a key delivery method, with more than 40% of underserved BEAD locations anticipated to be served by low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
California is also directing BEAD funding toward major providers, with Amazon slated to receive over $100 million for roughly 90,000 locations and Starlink projected to receive more than $60 million, a breakdown reported by PCMag and referenced in state briefing materials.
Preliminary BEAD award maps, detailing regional allocations, are publicly accessible online via CPUC resources, offering a detailed view of where funds are expected to flow across the state.
Earlier this year, the NTIA instructed the CPUC to delay publishing its final proposal for public comment, a step that opened the door for additional state-level reviews. NTIA has since approved BEAD plans for several other states, including Texas, West Virginia, South Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio.
California’s approach aligns with a broader national trend toward satellite-enabled outreach and targeted funding to reach hard-to-serve communities. For readers seeking more BEAD updates, Broadband Breakfast and Broadband Communities provide ongoing coverage and regional breakdowns.
