WiConduit Community Grant Projects
At its January 30, 2025, voting meeting, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved awarding WiConduit $17,010,997 through the Last Mile Federal Funding Account (FFA). This funding will support the construction of two community-governed broadband infrastructure projects in rural West Sonoma County: “Forestville Connect” and “Sonoma Coast Connect”. In partnership with GigabitNow, a Washington-based internet service provider known for operating the fiber-to-the-home network owned by The Sea Ranch Association, WiConduit will use the CPUC grants to deliver high-speed internet to over 800 unserved locations in West Sonoma County, benefiting an estimated 2,138 residents and businesses. These projects aim to bridge the digital divide and provide equitable access to reliable, high-speed internet for underserved rural communities.
Network Overview
Design:
- Ultra-fast fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP)
- Open access to increase local competition, affordability, and consumer choice.
- 100% underground and resilient network reducing risks from wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters
- The network is owned and managed by WiConduit, ensuring local control and oversight of network service quality, affordability, and reliability for the community.
- The network is operated by GigabitNow, including maintenance and day to day functionality.
- CASF Funding Award: February 2025
- Engineering & Permitting: May – July 2025
- Construction Begins: September 2025
- Construction Complete: September 2026
- Network Activation: October 2026
Forestville Connect
Figure 1: This map shows an image of WiConduit's Federal Funding Account grant application project area called Forestville Connect, serving unserved locations in the yellow boundary along Highway 116, Martinelli Road, Old River Road, and nearby streets.
Sonoma Coast Connect
Figure 2: This map shows an image of WiConduit's Federal Funding Account grant application project area called Sonoma Coast Connect, serving unserved locations in the yellow boundary along Highway 1, Seaview Road, Meyers Grade Road and nearby laterals.
Community Outreach:
As our project progresses, our team will engage in community outreach to gather input, address questions, and share updates. We are committed to including the community in our work to better understand local priorities and firsthand insights. Subscribe to our page to stay informed about our progress and upcoming opportunities to get involved.
As our project progresses, our team will engage in community outreach to gather input, address questions, and share updates. We are committed to including the community in our work to better understand local priorities and firsthand insights. Subscribe to our page to stay informed about our progress and upcoming opportunities to get involved.
