Broadband Strategic Plan

Working Toward Greater Digital Access

Fresno County is exploring strategies to expand access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet across the region. While broadband has become essential for everyday life — including education, health care, economic opportunity, and public safety — many local communities, particularly rural and underserved areas, continue to experience limited or inconsistent service.

Background

In 2021, the State of California launched its Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative, a multi-year effort to develop an open-access, high-capacity network to reach unserved and underserved communities across the state. This effort complements the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, which supports the expansion of high-speed internet infrastructure through coordinated regional and local partnerships. Fresno County has joined this broader effort, in part through participation in a regional collaboration with Merced, Kings, Madera, and Tulare Counties. Together, these counties are pursuing funding opportunities and engaging internet service providers (ISPs) to identify gaps and propose infrastructure improvements that reflect how networks are actually deployed—across jurisdictional boundaries. This work builds on earlier County-level conversations about digital equity and responds to the increasing reliance on online access for learning, working, and staying informed.

Why It Matters

Reliable broadband access remains out of reach for many residents in Fresno County. This digital divide affects:

• Students who need stable connections to complete homework and attend virtual classes,
• Families seeking telehealth appointments or social services,
• Businesses trying to compete in an online marketplace,
• Residents applying for jobs or accessing public resources.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, this initiative aims to address those disparities over time.

Guiding Priorities

Infrastructure Expansion: Identify and prioritize areas lacking broadband access. Affordability: Encourage partnerships with ISPs that can provide cost-effective options. Equity: Focus on historically unserved communities and promote inclusive planning. Community Engagement: Collect local input to shape planning and ensure relevance.

A Regional Perspective

Fresno County's role in the five-county BEAD planning effort supports a regional framework for broadband development. This approach helps maximize funding opportunities and aligns with how private sector providers plan and build infrastructure. While specific service areas and projects are still being evaluated, regional coordination offers a stronger position for securing investment and addressing connectivity gaps in a more comprehensive way.