El proyecto de Internet de alta velocidad de Ukiah alcanza un hito clave ● UPDATING

The city of Ukiah's gigabit fiber project has reached 32% completion, with the first four zones—representing about 30% of the network—scheduled for activation by the end of June, according to a presentation at a city council meeting. The initiative, a public-private partnership between the city and Vero Fiber Networks, aims to provide affordable ultra-high-speed fiber-optic internet to residents and businesses throughout Ukiah.

Construction began in March, and the goal is to finish the 110,000-foot fiber-optic network by the end of October, said Andrea Trincado, the city's project and grant administrator. The project will connect 375 currently unserved locations and offer an additional internet service option for 3,350 locations that already have wired access.

Trincado reported that underground work is 57% complete, while aerial lines attached to utility poles are 25% finished. The network will also provide free internet to 14 city facilities, saving the city approximately $60,000 annually.

Under the 35-year operating agreement with Vero, the city expects to save millions of dollars over time, while improving connectivity for critical services including police and fire departments.

Cindy Sauers, the city's electric utility director, noted that out of 613 utility poles being integrated into the network, 61 have already been replaced, with at least 20 more needing replacement. This work is part of a parallel electric utility project.

"They're out there pretty much every day setting one or two poles," Sauers said.

Amanda Lather of Vero's strategic builds team confirmed that the first four zones will go live by the end of June. Lacey Mally, Vero's community events manager, presented pricing packages ranging from $49.95 per month for 500 Mbps to $125.95 monthly for 5 Gbps.

City Manager Sage Sangiacomo praised the agreement, stating, "It is a true need in our community."