Logo courtesy of City of Vacaville

VACAVILLE, CA (MPG) - The City of Vacaville is partnering with Intrepid Fiber Networks, to expand access to fiber infrastructure that can support municipal operations, public safety communications and future connectivity initiatives.

The City Council approved the partnership on Sept. 22, advancing a multi-year effort to improve broadband infrastructure for residents, businesses and municipal facilities through a public-private partnership. The agreement leverages private investment to expand Vacaville’s digital infrastructure while securing substantial infrastructure benefits for the city.

“This partnership brings significant infrastructure value to Vacaville,” said Mayor John Carli. “By securing long-term fiber access through private investment, we are strengthening the foundation for essential City services and creating opportunities to improve connectivity for our residents and businesses.”

A key component of the agreement is a 20-year, no-cost lease providing the city access to 48 strands of dark fiber along Intrepid’s planned 17.8-mile fiber backbone. This infrastructure will give the City additional capacity to support connections between public facilities and develop future technology applications.

Planned fiber access points will serve municipal facilities, fire stations, community centers and parks. These include City Hall, public safety facilities, Public Works and Utilities facilities, McBride Senior Center, Ulatis Community Center and other locations that deliver services to the community.

“Vacaville has been a forward-thinking partner, and this agreement shows what’s possible when a city and a private provider work toward the same long-term goals,” said Shane Peverill, chief commercial officer, Intrepid Fiber Networks. “Fiber is the infrastructure that today's world runs on. This network puts Vacaville in a strong position to attract and keep employers, help entrepreneurs and remote workers compete from anywhere, and give residents more choice in how they connect.”

The infrastructure will also create opportunities for future free public Wi-Fi in community parks such as Centennial, Al Patch, Andrews, Keating, Nelson and other public spaces, supporting access to educational resources, employment opportunities and online city services. These applications would build upon fiber infrastructure as the city advances implementation.

“This agreement gives Vacaville additional infrastructure capacity that we can build on for years to come,” said City Manager Savita Chaudhary. “By securing access to fiber infrastructure through this partnership, we are creating opportunities to improve how we deliver City services, support public safety and expand public connectivity, while positioning us to pursue additional investment and grant funding.”

Beyond the direct benefits to city operations, Intrepid’s wholesale open-access network is designed to accommodate multiple internet service providers, creating opportunities for additional broadband choices for residents and businesses. The city’s Broadband Master Plan identifies improved connectivity, economic competitiveness and access to broadband infrastructure as important considerations in the city’s long-term planning.

For more information about the City’s broadband initiatives, visit CityofVacaville.gov/Broadband.