Ukiah and Vero Fiber Launch High-Speed Broadband Initiative

Over 1,600 homes and businesses in Ukiah are now eligible for fiber-optic internet activation, marking the first successful milestone of a city-wide infrastructure project. Supported by a $5.7 million grant from the California Public Utilities Commission, the initiative aims to bridge the local digital divide through a public-private partnership.

Corp and Tech·August 17, 2026·reads: 1,273

Ukiah and Vero Fiber Launch High-Speed Broadband Initiative

The newly operational network serves an area spanning S State Street between E Gobbi Street and Talmage Road. Subscribers in these zones can now access symmetrical connection speeds reaching 5.0 gigabits per second. This infrastructure is owned by the City of Ukiah and operated by Vero Fiber, reflecting a long-term strategy to ensure equitable access to essential digital services.

Vero representative Evan Biagi attributed the project's rapid progress to high levels of coordination between municipal teams and private engineers. Since entering the region in 2024, the company has recruited 28 local staff members to manage field operations and customer support. Mayor Susan Sher described the rollout as a vital investment in economic opportunity, ensuring the community remains competitive as technology evolves.

Construction is scheduled to continue through December 2026, with engineering work already underway for the project's second phase. Beyond standard residential and commercial offerings, the company has introduced the Vero Heroes program, providing service discounts for educators, first responders, and military personnel. Interested parties can verify specific neighborhood availability and pricing through the provider’s online portal.