UKIAH, CA., 6/20/26 — The city of Ukiah’s gigabit fiber project is 32% complete, with fiber optic utilities ready for activation by the end of the month, according to a presentation at a city council meeting.
According to the city’s project webpage, Ukiah’s gigabit fiber project is an initiative meant to offer affordable “ultra-high-speed fiber-optic internet” to internet customers throughout the city of Ukiah. The project is a public-private partnership between the city and Vero Fiber Networks, a technical infrastructure company, to construct a fiber-optic network that will be city-owned but operated by Vero, according to a report from the city.
Construction for the project began in March.
The goal for completion of the 110,000-foot fiber optic network is the end of October, said Andrea Trincado, city project and grant administrator. The project aims to connect 375 unserved locations as well as provide another internet service option for 3,350 locations that already have wired internet access.
Trincado said the project is 32% complete, with underground work 57% complete and aerial lines attached to utility poles are 25% done.
Trincado said there are several community benefits to the project, like offering an affordable broadband option for currently underserved residents while supporting telehealth, remote education and work opportunities, among other benefits.
The network will also provide internet to 14 city facilities at no cost, saving the city $60,000 annually, she said. The agreement states that Vero will operate the system for 35 years. Over that period of time the city is projected to save millions of dollars, plus the city will have improved connectivity between city facilities, including safety operations like police and fire, she said.
Cindy Sauers, electric utility director for the city, said that out of the 613 utility poles being hooked up to the fiber optic network, 61 poles have been replaced, and a minimum 20 more poles still must be replaced. This is part of an electric utility project that is being done in parallel with the fiber optic project.
“They’re out there pretty much every day setting one or two poles,” Sauers said.
Amanda Lather, part of the Vero Fiber Networks strategic builds team, said the first four zones, about 30% of the project, will be activated by the end of June.
Lacey Mally, community events manager for Vero, presented the speed packages that will be offered for potential customers. Rates range from $49.95 per month for 500 Mbps to $125.95 monthly for 5 Gbps.
City manager Sage Sangiacomo capped the presentation, saying the agreement with Vero was beneficial for the city.
“It is a true need in our community,” Sangiacomo said.
Thank you for the update.