Citywide Broadband & Digital Equity Project

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: November 12, 2024

CONTACT: pio@cityofvallejo.net

From left to right: Naveed Ashraf (IT Director for the City of Vallejo), Stephen Stukas (CEO of Smart Fiber Networks) , and Karin Ingwersen (Public Utilities Regulatory Analyst)

City of Vallejo

City Receives $3.85 Million CPUC Grant for the Last Mile Expansion in Vallejo

Vallejo, CA - City of Vallejo’s Underserved Areas to Benefit from $3.85 Million CPUC Grant for Expanded Broadband Infrastructure

The City of Vallejo is happy to announce the California Public Utilities Commission on November 7 awarded the City a $3.85 Million grant that will improve internet connectivity for underserved areas of the City. The grant will provide funding for four major broadband infrastructure projects that will address the need for reliable high-speed internet access. These projects include the Mare Island Build, North Sonoma Boulevard expansion, Porter Street to Seaport connectivity, and the Trailer City Park initiative.

Project 1: Mare Island Build

Mare Island has grown with new businesses and this grant will help ensure that these developments are supported by cutting-edge digital infrastructure and in turn, attract new growth.

Project 2: North Sonoma Boulevard

The grant will help improve internet connectivity for residents and small businesses in the diverse North Sonoma Boulevard community. This improved service will provide greater healthcare access and educational opportunities.

Project 3: Porter Street to Seaport Expansion

The Porter Street to Seaport project will benefit area businesses with improved broadband infrastructure and boost business operations to compete with industries that rely on fast and reliable internet service.

Project 4: Trailer City Park

Broadband expansion in The Trailer City Park project will help one of Vallejo’s most underserved residential areas. The grant will help residents better connect with online services and improve residents’ overall quality of life.

The CPUC's Federal Funding Account was established to address such disparities by funding broadband infrastructure projects in communities where private investment has been slow to arrive.

Naveed Ashraf, City of Vallejo’s IT Chief Innovation Officer, praised the collaboration between the city, Smart Fiber Network and Cal Consulting, stating, “This funding will allow Vallejo to make significant strides in addressing our broadband needs. Reliable internet is not a luxury; it’s a necessity, and this grant will help us provide that to all corners of our city, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in today’s digital world.”

The four projects funded by the CPUC grant are expected to begin in early 2025, with completion timelines varying depending on the complexity of the infrastructure work.

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Please feel free to read the press release on the Vallejo Weekly as well!

AARDVARKS ADVENTURELAND

At VIP Fiber, we pride ourselves on providing a high-speed, reliable internet connection and exceptional customer experiences. Today, we’re thrilled to share another glowing testimonial from one of our satisfied customers, Renee Sanders, the owner of Aardvarks Adventureland, who recently switched to VIP Fiber and couldn’t be happier with the decision.

Why VIP Fiber?

When asked why she made the switch, Renee was clear: "Speed and coverage." Like many in Vallejo, she was looking for a solution that met her needs at a competitive price. "VIP Fiber offered a local solution with the coverage we needed and an amazing price!" she shared.

Standing Out from the Competition

What truly makes VIP Fiber stand out for Renee is the personalized touch. "VIP is GREAT to work with!!! So much better than the mega corporations in every way!" she exclaimed, highlighting the benefits of choosing a locally-run service that understands the community's unique needs.

Why Recommend VIP Fiber?

Renee’s experience with the transition was seamless. "Our transition to VIP was pretty simple and went smoothly," she said, noting that VIP Fiber delivered on every promise without the hassle often associated with larger providers.

When asked if there was anything we could improve, her response was simple: "Nope! Keep up the excellent work!!"

Continuing Our Commitment to Vallejo

We are honored to serve customers like Aardvarks Adventureland and will continue to strive for excellence in everything we do. VIP Fiber is here to provide the best possible service to Vallejo, offering the speed, coverage, and support that residents deserve.

At VIP Fiber, our mission is to provide exceptional service at an affordable price, and there's no better proof of our success than hearing directly from our customers. We are thrilled to share our very first testimonial from Faith Food Fridays, a nonprofit organization in Vallejo dedicated to supporting the community.

Why Faith Food Fridays Chose VIP Fiber

For Faith Food Fridays, making the switch to VIP Fiber was driven by a need for reliable and cost-effective service. As a nonprofit, every dollar counts, and their previous provider’s frequent rate increases without any improvement in service or customer support left them searching for a better option.

"Our previous provider kept increasing their rates, with absolutely no improvement in service or customer service. We're a non-profit, so every dollar spent on operating costs takes away from providing badly needed assistance to our community members," the Administrative Director explained.

What Makes VIP Fiber Stand Out

When asked what made VIP Fiber stand out from other options, Faith Food Fridays highlighted not just our competitive pricing, but also the professionalism and friendliness of our team.

"Low cost, but frankly, the staff’s friendliness and professionalism from the initial contact through to the completion of the service installation stands out as a gamechanger for us," the Administrative Director said.

Why Faith Food Fridays Recommends VIP Fiber

Faith Food Fridays is now an enthusiastic advocate for VIP Fiber, recommending our service to others in Vallejo. They cited both the quality of our service and our proactive communication as key reasons to make the switch.

"While the much lower cost is a definite advantage; we feel that the quality of the service along with the proactive and professional communications are equally reasons everyone in Vallejo should switch to VIP Fiber. You will NOT regret it!"

Room for Improvement

Of course, no service is perfect, and Faith Food Fridays offered valuable feedback for us to improve. They mentioned a bit of confusion regarding the separate service for offering free Wi-Fi to their clients and the need for more detailed instructions on using the voicemail app.

"There was a little bit of confusion about whether we were getting a separate service where we could offer free Wi-Fi to our clients, and the directions for how to use the voicemail app were incomplete. Other than those two very minor issues, everything went perfectly!"

A Breath of Fresh Air

Finally, Faith Food Fridays shared their overall experience with VIP Fiber, emphasizing how refreshing it was to work with a team that genuinely cares about delivering top-notch service.

"It was such a 'breath of fresh air' to have service technicians who were friendly, completely competent and professional yet really seemed to care about providing best-of-class service."

Conclusion

We are incredibly grateful to Faith Food Fridays for being our first testimonial and for their honest feedback. At VIP Fiber, we are committed to continually improving our service and providing the best possible experience for all our customers.

If you’re considering a switch to VIP Fiber, take it from Faith Food Fridays—you won’t regret it! Check your availability today at www.vipfiber.com.

Mare Island's 4th of July celebration this year was a resounding success, thanks in part to the seamless public Wi-Fi provided by VIP Fiber. As thousands of attendees flocked to the historic Waterfront for a day of festivities, local vendors were able to offer a more connected and efficient service, ensuring that everyone had an unforgettable experience.

VIP Fiber, a leading provider of high-speed internet solutions, stepped in to ensure that vendors had access to reliable Wi-Fi throughout the event. This support was crucial for the myriad of food stalls, craft booths, and entertainment providers who relied on digital transactions and real-time communication to operate smoothly.

In addition to boosting operational efficiency, the Wi-Fi network also allowed vendors to engage more effectively with attendees through social media, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the event. Attendees could easily share their experiences online, promoting the celebration and drawing even more visitors throughout the day.

VIP Fiber's commitment to supporting local events and businesses was evident in their thorough planning and implementation of the Wi-Fi network. Their team worked closely with event organizers to identify key areas where connectivity was most needed, ensuring a robust and reliable service.

"We are thrilled to have played a role in making this year's 4th of July celebration on Mare Island a success," said Stephen Stukas, CEO of Smart Fiber Networks. "Supporting local communities and helping businesses thrive is at the heart of what we do, and we look forward to continuing to provide top-notch service for future events."

As the sun set and the drones lit up the sky, it was clear that VIP Fiber's contribution had helped create a more enjoyable and connected experience for everyone involved. Mare Island's 4th of July event was a testament to the positive impact that reliable public Wi-Fi can have on community celebrations.

The Syber Fiber team, in collaboration with CommScope, hosted a successful and engaging "Bratz and Broadband" event today, serving the Vallejo community. The event featured CommScope's mobile van, which showcased their comprehensive FTTH (Fiber to the Home) solutions to attendees.

Visitors had the opportunity to explore the cutting-edge technologies that can assist AltNets and various service providers in expanding broadband access to everyone, everywhere. CommScope's mobile van will continue its journey across the country, providing an exclusive, hands-on look at these innovative solutions to communities nationwide.

In addition to the technological demonstrations, Syber Fiber and CommScope delighted attendees with free hot dogs, drinks, and a wealth of valuable information about broadband advancements. The event was a resounding success, bringing together community members and industry experts in a friendly and informative setting.

"Seeing the community come together to learn about fiber optics and the process of how ISPs get communities connected was very encouraging." said a Syber Fiber representative. "Thank you to everyone who came and stopped by. Here's to the next one!"

The Syber Fiber team looks forward to future events, continuing their mission to connect communities and enhance broadband access.

Click here to learn more about Commscope and their journey.

Earlier this year, the City of Vallejo embarked on an exciting new partnership with Tech Exchange, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing technology access and education to underserved communities. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in addressing the digital divide and enhancing digital literacy among Vallejo residents.

One of the highlights of this partnership was the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) event hosted by Tech Exchange at the Vallejo Housing Authority building. The event was a resounding success for attracting Vallejo residents to register with the ACP program and get their benefits.

In addition to the ACP event, Tech Exchange made a substantial impact conducting four digital literacy classes, covering a range of topics from basic computer skills to navigating the internet safely. These classes were designed to empower participants with the knowledge and confidence needed to thrive in today’s digital world. At the end of the 4-class series with 8 hours of training, Tech Exchange distributed approximately 60 laptops to those who attended and completed the entire course. This generous initiative ensured that more individuals and families in Vallejo now have the tools necessary to connect to the digital world, access important services, and pursue educational and employment opportunities.

Beyond the digital literacy classes, Tech Exchange has established an on-site presence in Vallejo at 400 Santa Clara Street. This dedicated location serves as a hub where Vallejo’s citizens can receive ongoing assistance with any tech-related issues they may encounter. Whether it’s troubleshooting hardware problems, learning new software, or setting up internet access, Tech Exchange’s knowledgeable staff is ready to provide support and guidance.

The partnership between the City of Vallejo and Tech Exchange underscores a shared commitment to fostering digital inclusion and ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to benefit from modern technology. Mayor Robert McConnell expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “This partnership is a significant milestone in our efforts to bridge the digital divide in Vallejo. By providing access to technology and digital education, we are empowering our community and opening up new opportunities for our residents.”

Tech Exchange’s presence in Vallejo is not just about distributing devices and offering classes; it represents a broader vision of community enrichment and empowerment. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like this are crucial in ensuring that no one is left behind. With continued collaboration and community engagement, Vallejo is poised to become a model city for digital inclusion and equity.

Residents are encouraged to visit Tech Exchange at their Santa Clara Street location for assistance and to take advantage of the resources available. By working together, Vallejo and Tech Exchange are paving the way for a more connected, informed, and empowered community.

https://www.techexchange.org/

In an age where digital connectivity has become a necessity for education, employment, and everyday life, the lack of reliable internet access can exacerbate existing inequalities. Recognizing this challenge, VIP Fiber has embarked on a mission to bridge the digital divide by providing high-speed internet to low-income housing communities in Vallejo.

Access to reliable internet is no longer a luxury but a fundamental requirement for participating in today's interconnected world. However, many low-income households need help accessing affordable and high-speed internet services. The need for equitable access to digital resources is particularly acute in Vallejo, where economic disparities are prevalent. VIP Fiber is committed to addressing these inequities by extending its services to low-income housing communities across the city.

VIP Fiber understands that tackling the digital divide requires collaboration and partnership with local stakeholders. VIP Fiber has identified areas of need through strategic alliances with housing authorities, community organizations, and government agencies in Vallejo and implemented targeted solutions to expand internet access. VIP Fiber has already collaborated with the non-profit organization Eden Housing to provide high-speed internet to Blue Oak Landing, a new apartment community designed to provide high-quality, affordable housing to lower-income households who experienced or were at risk of experiencing homelessness.

In addition, VIP Fiber is coordinating with Shelter Inc. to provide internet services for Project Homekey, a 47-unit Permanent Supportive Housing Program that will be located on Broadway Street. VIP Fiber will also offer internet services to the Vallejo Navigation Center, a "one-stop-shop" providing services and shelter critical to helping address homelessness.

The impact of VIP Fiber's initiative extends far beyond providing internet access; it is about empowering individuals and communities to thrive in the digital age. VIP Fiber is opening doors to educational opportunities, remote work options, telehealth services, and social connections by connecting low-income housing units in Vallejo with high-speed internet. Residents now have the tools to access online learning platforms, search for job opportunities, and stay connected with loved ones, regardless of socioeconomic status.

As VIP Fiber continues to expand its reach in Vallejo, the company remains committed to its mission of ensuring equitable access to high-speed internet for all residents. By leveraging technology, fostering partnerships, and prioritizing community needs, VIP Fiber is making significant strides in bridging the digital divide and creating a more inclusive and connected Vallejo for future generations.

In a world increasingly shaped by digital connectivity, access to high-speed internet is not just a convenience but a fundamental right. VIP Fiber's initiative to provide internet to low-income housing in Vallejo is a testament to its commitment to equity, inclusion, and community empowerment.

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The City of Vallejo (with the partnership of Smart Fiber Networks) is taking a leap into the future of connectivity and has launched its customer-facing website, www.vipfiber.com. With this innovative platform, residents and businesses in Vallejo now have access to reliable and affordable internet services like never before.

The launch of VIP Fiber’s customer-facing website marks a significant milestone in the City of Vallejo’s efforts to bridge the digital divide within the community. The city aims to empower residents and businesses with the tools they need to succeed in today’s digital world by providing high-speed internet services to the Vallejo community.

VIP Fiber offers a range of high-speed internet solutions tailored to meet the needs of both residential and business customers. VIP Fiber plans to suit every need, whether ultra-fast download speeds for streaming and gaming or reliable connectivity for remote work and online business operations.

In addition to its high-speed internet offerings, VIP Fiber is committed to providing top-notch customer support to ensure a seamless experience for all users. Being located in Vallejo allows VIP Fiber to provide timely and personalized support to its customers, ensuring a seamless and reliable internet experience.

Beyond its technological benefits, the launch of VIP Fiber’s customer-facing website is expected to impact the community as a whole positively. By fostering excellent connectivity and access to online resources, the initiative has the potential to enhance education, economic opportunities, and overall quality of life for residents in Vallejo.

In conclusion, the launch of the VIP Fiber customer-facing website represents a significant step forward in the City of Vallejo’s commitment to providing high-speed internet access to its residents and businesses. With its user-friendly interface, high-speed offerings, and dedicated customer support, VIP Fiber is poised to transform how residents connect and thrive in the digital age. Take a look and check the website out yourself! https://vipfiber.com/

On Tuesday, November 1, 2022, the Vallejo City Council was presented with the results from an exhaustive Request For Proposal (RFP) process seeking a management provider for Citywide Broadband and the enhancement of Digital Equity in Vallejo. The Council unanimously selected Smart Fiber Networks as City's new ISP and Fiber Plant Manager contractor.

Smart Fiber, which is doing business as Syber Fiber, will be City's Internet Service Provider (ISP), offering residential and commercial internet under a 5-year contract. Syber Fiber, a local Bay Area company, will operate VallejoNet and manage the City's fiber infrastructure.

The continued vision of the City is to narrow the digital divide, increase competition in the broadband market, and maximize the use of the existing City-owned dark fiber network. This also enhances the City's economy by offering stable and lightning-fast internet to businesses in Vallejo.

To get a quote for new Broadband internet service, click here.