GigabitNow, a division of IsoFusion, and WiConduit, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to bridging the digital divide, are proud to announce the award of $17 million in California grant funding to build a next-generation fiber network in west Sonoma County. This project will extend high-speed internet connectivity to over 800 unserved locations, including low-income and aging communities, while providing network access to over 2,200 households.
Funding for Community-Driven Broadband Infrastructure Projects
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved the grant through the Last Mile Federal Funding Account (FFA) on January 30, 2025. The funding will support the development of two underground, resilient, community-governed broadband infrastructure projects in rural west Sonoma County: “Forestville Connect” and “Sonoma Coast Connect.”
• Forestville Connect: This project will extend high-speed fiber internet connectivity to over 200 unserved locations in Forestville, a rural community in west Sonoma County. • Sonoma Coast Connect: This project will connect over 600 unserved locations in the Sonoma Coast area, including Timber Cove, Jenner, and Forestville. The two projects will be built and managed by GigabitNow, a leading provider of fiber connectivity, while WiConduit will play a pivotal role in community engagement and outreach, ensuring that all residents, especially low-income and digitally marginalized households, have access to the digital tools they need for a brighter future.
Benefits of the Project
The high-speed fiber network will bring numerous benefits to the community, including:
• Strengthening emergency communications: The network will enable faster emergency responses, improving public safety and reducing the risk of harm. • Expanding telehealth access: The network will provide residents with access to virtual healthcare services, improving their overall well-being and quality of life. • Supporting remote learning: The network will enable students to access online educational resources, improving their academic outcomes and preparing them for future careers. • Driving precision agriculture adoption: The network will provide farmers with access to digital tools and resources, improving crop yields and reducing the environmental impact of agriculture. • Fueling economic growth: The network will enable businesses to expand their operations, creating new jobs and stimulating local economic growth.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
The project will be built and managed by GigabitNow, a leading provider of fiber connectivity, while WiConduit will play a pivotal role in community engagement and outreach. WiConduit is committed to ensuring that all residents, especially low-income and digitally marginalized households, have access to the digital tools they need for a brighter future.
Timeline and Project Milestones
The network construction and service activation are expected to be completed by the end of 2026. This initiative marks a significant investment in bridging the digital divide in west Sonoma County, offering residents a transformative opportunity to connect with the digital world.
| Project Milestone | Completion Date |
|---|---|
| Network Construction | End of 2025 |
| Service Activation | End of 2026 |
About WiConduit and GigabitNow
WiConduit is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Sonoma County dedicated to closing the digital divide. GigabitNow is a leading provider of fiber connectivity, delivering fast, reliable, and affordable fiber Internet to communities of all sizes without bandwidth caps and free from privacy worries or service constraints. GigabitNow is a division of IsoFusion, one of Washington state’s largest privately held full-service ISPs and colocation providers, founded in 1991. For additional project details and ongoing updates, please visit www.wiconduit.org.
Media Contact
For media inquiries, please contact info@gigabitnow.com or 1-866-748-8066.
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