VIP Fiber's 2024 Wrap-Up

In 2024, VIP Fiber, Vallejo's community-owned internet service provider, achieved significant milestones in expanding and enhancing broadband access for residents and businesses.

Rebranding and Community Engagement

Early in the year, the City of Vallejo rebranded its municipal broadband service from "VallejoNet" to "VIP Fiber." This initiative aimed to position Vallejo as a hub for technological innovation and to reflect the city's commitment to providing high-quality, reliable internet service to its community.

CPUC Grant Award

In November, VIP Fiber secured a $3.85 million grant from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to expand broadband infrastructure in underserved areas of Vallejo. This funding supports four major projects:

• Mare Island Build: Enhancing digital infrastructure to support new businesses and attract further growth.

• North Sonoma Boulevard Expansion: Improving internet connectivity for residents and small businesses, thereby increasing access to healthcare and educational opportunities.

• Porter Street to Seaport Connectivity: Upgrading broadband infrastructure to help local businesses compete more effectively in industries that require fast and reliable internet service.

• Trailer City Park Initiative: Extending broadband access to one of Vallejo's most underserved residential areas, enabling residents to better connect with online services.

Launch of Customer-Facing Website

To enhance customer experience and accessibility, VIP Fiber launched a new website on service plans, pricing, and availability. The site provides resources for both residential and business customers, ensuring that the community can easily access the information needed to make informed decisions about their internet services.

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Participation

VIP Fiber participated in the Affordable Connectivity Program, a federal initiative aimed at providing low-cost internet access to income-qualified Vallejo residents. Through this program, participants could receive discounts of up to $30 per month on their home internet service, allowing for a free 100-megabit connection or 1 Gig service at a reduced rate. However, it's important to note that the ACP stopped accepting new applications and enrollments on February 7, 2024, with the last fully funded month being April 2024.

Community Impact and Future Outlook

Throughout 2024, VIP Fiber connected numerous local businesses, including Brooks & Co. Real Estate, Kindred Motorworks, Aardvarks Adventureland, Better Chew Kitchen, and Suite Treatments Inc., demonstrating its commitment to supporting the local economy. As the year concluded, VIP Fiber expressed enthusiasm for continuing to provide high-speed, reliable internet services in 2025, aiming to make it a year of blazing-fast speeds and robust community support.

Overall, 2024 was a transformative year for VIP Fiber, marked by significant achievements in expanding broadband access, securing substantial funding, and reinforcing its dedication to serving the Vallejo community.

The VIP Fiber family wishes you a Happy New Year!