The cities are among the recipients of the first round of funding from the $2 billion Last Mile Federal Funding Account Grant Program. Since the application cycle closed last September, the utilities commission said it received 484 grant applications that totaled more than $4.6 billion in requests. The broadcast expansion will help underserved residents by giving them more options for internet, and it will also supply internet to people who are currently unserved.
Meanwhile, Oakland is set to receive just over $14 million that will go toward expanding broadband in West Oakland, Downtown, Fruitvale and East Oakland. A majority of the project encompasses low-income neighborhoods, including an estimated 3,474 residents. Leadership in the city of Oakland celebrated the grant approval July 11, including Mayor Sheng Thao, who called it a 'significant milestone' toward a more connected city.