California legislature approves ‘historic’ broadband internet bill

California legislature has voted unanimously to approve a $6 billion decide to build a statewide open access fiber network (h/t ArsTechnica). The state will provide $3.25 billion to rent a 3rd party to create and maintain a so-called “middle-mile” network, which won’t bring internet directly from backbone infrastructure to customers, but rather to connection points, leaving the walk to be handled by internet service providers (ISPs). The legislation provides $2 billion for last-mile infrastructure lines to attach residences and businesses to local networks.