Boldyn makes its mark on California’s middle-mile initiative with 80-mile fiber build
What is the California Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative?
In July 2021, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 156 into law to create an open-access middle-mile network to bring equitable high-speed broadband service to all parts of the state. SB 156 provides $3.25 billion to build the necessary infrastructure for internet connectivity to homes, businesses, and community institutions. The Middle-Mile Advisory Committee (MMAC) monitors the design and construction of the middle-mile network.
Boldyn Networks (Boldyn) has completed a key portion of the California Middle-Mile Broadband Initiative, lighting 80 route miles (23,000 fiber miles) of the high-count fiber backbone in partnership with the state by the end of June 2025.
This portion of the California Middle-Mile project is part of Boldyn’s greater Bay Area network, a new high-count 220-mile fiber ring connecting Oakland, San Francisco, Santa Clara, and San Jose, among other cities.
By leveraging Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) rights of way, Boldyn is deploying infrastructure that includes over 100 fiber access points—creating an interconnected digital backbone ahead of events like the 2026 World Cup.
"The completion of this segment of the Middle Mile network is a significant step forward in our mission to ensure all Californians have access to reliable and affordable internet," said Jared Johnson, California Deputy Chief Information Officer. "Partnerships with companies like Boldyn Networks are vital to maximizing the impact of available resources in closing the digital divide and promoting equitable access to digital resources."
The newly completed segment of the network will provide critical infrastructure to support high-speed internet access for local businesses, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, public servants and residents who have historically faced barriers to connectivity.
Local community leaders are already seeing the transformative potential of this development.
Patrick Messac, director of #OaklandUndivided, said that the state’s middle-mile initiative will help enable better access to affordable and reliable internet services. Several communities in East and West Oakland have had minimal access to services.
“It’s about ensuring that all residents—especially those in historically marginalized neighborhoods—have access to the digital tools and opportunities they need to thrive, making broadband access not just a service, but a fundamental civil right,” he said.
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Sean Buckley
Sean is responsible for establishing and executing the editorial strategies of Lightwave and Broadband Technology Report across their websites, email newsletters, events, and other information products.