Vero Fiber Launches Fiber-To-The-Home Internet Services in Ukiah

Vero Fiber, in collaboration with the City of Ukiah, has officially launched its fiber internet services, which are now live for more than 1,600 homes and businesses. This significant initiative is part of the Ukiah Gigabit Fiber Project, made possible through a $5.7 million grant from the California Public Utilities Commission's Federal Funding Account Last Mile-Grant. The project's goal is to deliver affordable, ultra-high-speed fiber-optic internet connectivity to approximately 3,000 homes, businesses, schools, and community facilities throughout Ukiah.

Partnership for Digital Advancement

Phase 1 of this project is a remarkable public-private partnership between Vero Fiber and the City of Ukiah. The infrastructure developed in this first phase is owned by the city but operated by Vero Fiber, focusing on expanding broadband access in an equitable and sustainable way. Activation includes areas on South State Street between East Gobbi Street and Talmage Road, which are now benefiting from this advanced internet service.

Residents and businesses in these newly activated zones can now enjoy symmetrical internet speeds of up to 5.0 gigabits per second. This substantial increase in connectivity not only supports remote work and streaming needs but also enhances access to essential services, thereby strengthening Ukiah's local economy.

Evan Biagi, a representative from Vero, commended the fruitful partnership between Vero Fiber and Ukiah. He stated, "From the very beginning, we recognized that our success depended on establishing a solid partnership with the City of Ukiah. The speed with which we've achieved this milestone reflects the trust and hard work from both teams. We are thrilled to begin providing fiber service to the community, helping establish a digital foundation that will enable growth, innovation, and improved quality of life in Ukiah for years to come."

Community Engagement and Future Plans

Since Vero Fiber's inception in Humboldt and Mendocino Counties in 2024, the company has made a noteworthy impact by hiring twenty-eight local employees for network design, construction, sales, marketing, field operations, and customer support roles. An essential part of Vero's commitment is engaging with local schools, businesses, and nonprofits through various outreach initiatives. To date, Vero Fiber has donated over $20,000 to communities in California, including Ukiah, Arcata, and Eureka, further demonstrating their dedication to community support.

Mayor Susan Sher emphasized,