Vero Fiber's Fiber-To-The-Home Services Go Live

The City of Ukiah and Vero Fiber have announced that over 1,600 homes and businesses are now live and ready for fiber internet service activation. This milestone was made possible through the Ukiah Gigabit Fiber Project, which received a $5.7 million grant from the California Public Utilities Commission's Federal Funding Account Last Mile-Grant. The project aims to provide affordable, ultra-high-speed fiber-optic internet to 3,000 homes, businesses, schools, and community facilities throughout Ukiah.

The first phase of the project’s fiber infrastructure will be owned by the City of Ukiah and operated by Vero Fiber under a long-term public-private partnership. This initiative is designed to expand broadband access equitably and sustainably, with newly activated areas including S State Street between E Gobbi Street and Talmage Road.

Residents and businesses in these areas now have access to symmetrical internet speeds of up to 5.0 gigabits per second. These speeds are intended to provide the reliability and local customer service necessary for remote work, streaming, and access to essential services, all contributing to the local economy's strength.

Evan Biagi, a representative from Vero, highlighted the significance of the partnership that facilitated the project. "From the beginning, we knew this project would succeed only through a true partnership between the City of Ukiah and Vero. The speed at which we've reached this milestone is a direct reflection of the collaboration, trust, and hard work that both teams have brought to the project," he stated.

Mayor Susan Sher emphasized the project's importance for digital equity and economic opportunity. “It ensures that as technology evolves, our community will not be left behind," she noted. The project will continue to expand, with further neighborhoods scheduled for activation as construction progresses through December 2026. Vero is also offering discounts through its Vero's Heroes program for first responders, healthcare workers, military professionals, educators, police, and firefighters.

Residents and businesses interested in service availability and updates can visit Vero Fiber's website or contact them directly for more information.