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2025 MBEP Broadband Summit Recap:
Building a More Connected, Equitable Future
View the event slide deck here.
The 2025 MBEP Broadband Summit brought together broadband leaders, government agencies, community organizations, and industry innovators for a powerful day focused on infrastructure, innovation, and equity. With an urgent need to expand reliable and affordable internet across California—and especially the Central Coast—the summit spotlighted the opportunities, hurdles, and partnerships needed to close the digital divide for good.
Vision and Momentum
The summit opened with a call to action underscoring the essential role broadband plays in shaping an inclusive economy. From expanding access to healthcare and education to driving economic opportunity and public safety, high-speed internet is no longer optional—it’s foundational.
Statewide Investment in Infrastructure
A major milestone was highlighted: the state’s broadband initiative has completed its federal funding phase, enabling 113 broadband projects across California, deploying 7,000 miles of infrastructure. Seventy percent of the investment is directed at middle-mile broadband, laying the groundwork for last-mile connections to underserved areas. A significant $78 million in awards were facilitated for the Monterey Bay region—an achievement MBEP is proud to have supported. These projects will bring reliable internet to thousands of households that have historically lacked adequate access.State leaders emphasized that broadband is not only about connection—it’s about equity, resilience, and preparedness, especially in high-risk regions where connectivity can be a lifeline during disasters.
Navigating the Broadband Policy & Funding Landscape
One session explored the fast-changing broadband policy environment and legislative proposals that could mandate connectivity for low-income households and unlock funding from the Lifeline account to subsidize internet costs. Optimism remained high that broadband will remain a budget priority for California. Advocates discussed the importance of continuing to support digital equity efforts through partnerships with county health and service agencies, outreach to CalFresh recipients, and wraparound services like call center support, device access, and digital literacy training. The message was clear: with a robust ecosystem in place, local stakeholders must amplify these opportunities to ensure no one is left offline.
Deployment, Permitting, and Local Challenges
Infrastructure deployment faces persistent barriers—from complex permitting timelines and supply chain slowdowns to labor shortages and community opposition. Sessions unpacked these realities and called for modernizing local ordinances, streamlining approvals, and aligning technical and legal frameworks to reduce delays and costs.
The Rise of Cellular and Mobile Convergence
Mobile cellular connectivity now supports over 5% of global GDP, and in North America alone, contributes $1.3 trillion annually and supports 2.7 million jobs. The summit explored how mobile broadband and fixed wireless are converging, with technologies like Hotspot 2.0 and the growth of 5G fixed wireless reshaping access and affordability. The role of wireless in public safety was also emphasized, as more than 80% of 9-1-1 calls now come from wireless devices. Ensuring this infrastructure is resilient—especially in high fire-risk zones—is critical.
Innovating for Inclusion
Another key focus was on reimagining how broadband is delivered, especially in geographically challenging or low-density areas. Innovation, reinvention, and public-private collaboration are needed to overcome line-of-sight issues, offer low-latency solutions, and create affordable and reliable access for everyone.
Broadband on the Central Coast: Real-World Realities
Discussions highlighted the challenges specific to the Central Coast, including funding uncertainty, slow permitting, workforce constraints, and operational costs. Despite these barriers, new and emerging opportunities are helping communities advance their broadband goals.
Closing the Digital Divide: Building a Coalition
The final session of the day focused on forming a Digital Equity Coalition—an effort to bring together data, funding, digital navigators, and mapping efforts into one aligned strategy. With the state budget in flux and needs greater than ever, panelists emphasized that collaboration is non-negotiable.
Intentional coordination prevents duplicative efforts, identifies gaps, and ensures that programs work together to serve the communities most in need. As one panelist quoted, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” The summit closed with a shared sense of purpose: no one organization can tackle digital equity alone—but together, it’s entirely possible.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 MBEP Broadband Summit reinforced that while the challenges are complex, the solutions are within reach—if we work together. MBEP remains committed to convening and collaborating with partners across sectors to accelerate progress toward universal, equitable broadband access.
Thank you to all the attendees, supporters, and partners who made this year’s summit a resounding success. Together, we are building a more connected Central Coast.
The views and opinions expressed by our speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP). The inclusion of any speaker at our events does not imply endorsement or support by MBEP.
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Funding 500 new affordable homes.
Resulting in 14 + new policies that are improving housing affordability
To recommend water policies that are increasing housing production
Aiming to educate about new laws, and strengthen policies and practices in Monterey County.
Resulting in 2,029 new homes
Resulting in 2,200 + new beds
We respectfully acknowledge that the land on which Marina, California, is located is the traditional and unceded territory of the Ohlone/Costanoan-Esselen Nation. We honor and thank the past, present, and future generations of the Ohlone/Costanoan-Esselen people for their stewardship of this land. We express our deep appreciation for their enduring connection to this place and commit to respecting and valuing their cultural heritage. As we enjoy the natural beauty and resources of this region, we strive to be mindful stewards of the land and to support the ongoing efforts of Indigenous communities.
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