Placer awards Astound Broadband $1.1 million for Penryn broadband service

To further address broadband service needs in Placer County, the Board of Supervisors approved awarding a $1.1 million grant to Astound Broadband LLC to expand service in Penryn. In October 2021, the board approved three broadband expansion projects to address needs in Auburn, North Auburn and Penryn. According to Placer County IT Chief Information Officer Jarrett Thiessen, one project aimed to expand broadband to 280 Penryn homes. According to Thiessen, the current project will expand broadband to 638 additional Penryn homes and businesses and will cost $2.1 million. Astound Broadband will fund the remaining balance. Thiessen said the previous project is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year, and the current project will be "a build onto that." Thiessen also confirmed staff continues to look at other needs within the county. The project areas were identified through a survey the county launched in November 2021 for Placer residents to provide feedback on their broadband service challenges. According to Thiessen, the survey identified Penryn, Newcastle and Loomis as problem areas. District 4 Supervisor Suzanne Jones said the county should have put more American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds toward the broadband needs. Thiessen confirmed the board allocated $10 million in ARPA funds for broadband needs, and staff will continue to work with providers to request additional funds from Senate Bill 156, which provides funding for the deployment of broadband infrastructure. "ARPA's not the end of it," Thiessen said. "Hopefully, it's just the start of it." Board Chair and District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson suggested pushing out the survey again to ensure the public is able to provide feedback on broadband problem areas. Gustafson also mentioned holding providers accountable to ensure they supply reliable service and keep it affordable for residents. Thiessen encouraged residents to provide input through the service, as the responses will assist IT staff with making recommendations to the board to further address broadband needs. Residents can access the survey at placer.ca.gov//7557/Broadband.