California Activates Middle-Mile Broadband Network, Connects Bishop Paiute Tribe as First Community
Photo Credit: California Governor’s Office
BISHOP, Calif., April 4, 2026 (CALIFORNIA NEWS TODAY) — The State of California has announced the activation of its Middle-Mile Broadband Network (MMBN) and the connection of the Bishop Paiute Tribe as the first community to receive service.
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The launch marks the activation of what the state describes as the nation’s largest open-access public broadband network. The Bishop Paiute Tribe is the first customer connected to the MMBN, bringing high-speed internet access to a rural and historically underserved community.
“We’re not just talking about closing the digital divide — we’re doing it. California is delivering fast, reliable, and affordable internet to communities across the state. That means more students with stronger access to educational resources, more families accessing critical health care, and more Californians having the opportunity to apply for good-paying jobs. This progress is real, it’s measurable, and it’s making a difference in people’s lives,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.
According to the state, approximately 35% of rural Americans lack internet access. The MMBN is part of the Governor’s Broadband for All initiative, which aims to expand connectivity across all 58 counties.
“A lot of work has gone into this project. We’re so happy to have this portion of the state’s middle-mile network turned on so the people in our community who desperately need a reliable and affordable internet connection can access everything from schoolwork to telehealth appointments,” said Chairwoman Emma Williams of the Bishop Paiute Tribe.
“As we reflect on a history of underinvestment in California Native communities, today marks a historic first as a California tribal nation enthusiastically leads the way to provide increased access and reliability to their local community. California’s partnership with the Bishop Paiute Tribe demonstrates the progress we can make when we work together to provide a brighter future for all Californians,” said Tribal Affairs Secretary Christina Snider-Ashtari.
“Connecting the Bishop Paiute Tribe as the first customer of California’s middle-mile broadband network illustrates true partnership and a commitment to serving all corners of California. This milestone reflects the power of working hand in hand with tribal communities to build infrastructure that supports opportunity and long-term connectivity,” said Government Operations Secretary Nick Maduros.
“Today marks a defining moment for California’s Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative: the Bishop Paiute Tribe is officially our first customer on the nation’s largest public broadband network, and I couldn’t be prouder. This is proof that California is delivering on Governor Newsom’s commitment to Broadband for All,” said California State Chief Information Officer and California Department of Technology Director Liana Bailey-Crimmins.
According to the state, the Bishop Paiute Tribe will independently manage and operate its broadband service as a tribally owned internet service provider, including setting pricing and service offerings for households on and off the reservation.
The new service connects to a 423-mile segment of the MMBN running from Barstow to the Nevada border along Highway 395. The California Department of Technology acquired dormant fiber infrastructure and upgraded it to serve rural and tribal communities in the Eastern Sierra Nevada region.
The Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative was created under Senate Bill 156, signed into law in July 2021, which allocated $3.25 billion to develop open-access broadband infrastructure. The California Public Utilities Commission has awarded more than $1.2 billion in last-mile grants benefiting more than 2 million Californians statewide.
For more information, visit build.ca.gov.
Source: Office of Governor Gavin Newsom
