Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) says it will partner with Utah Telecommunication Open Infrastructure Agency (UTOPIA) Fiber on the creation of an open-access fiber to the home (FTTH) network. The FTTH infrastructure will cross 38 rural member counties and operate an open-access, municipal broadband fiber network model.
GSCA is a joint powers authority created to increase residential and business internet access in the 38 California counties. The organization is tasked with helping these counties develop strategies for internet infrastructure development, including but not limited to municipal-owned and/or operated internet systems.
Founded in 2002, UTOPIA Fiber operates open access FTTH networks within the 11 Utah cities that own it (see, for example, "UTOPIA cities plan for FTTP growth"). The company and its affiliated organization Utah Infrastructure Agency have designed, built, and operated nearly $400 million in open-access fiber projects without taxpayer funding since 2009. The company also has branched out into development partnerships outside of Utah, including in Idaho and Montana. The work with GSCA will be its third such partnership and calls for UTOPIA Fiber to provide administrative services for GSCA’s proposed fiber broadband networks.
GSCA did not say when network construction will begin.
“UTOPIA Fiber has proven itself to be an industry leader with demonstrated expertise in establishing and operating an open-access network that invites internet service providers to compete for customers, resulting in price and speed choices for consumers,” said GSCA Board Chair and Calaveras County Supervisor Jack Garamendi. “GSCA looks forward to building upon the knowledge and experience of UTOPIA Fiber and working together to advance internet access across rural California.”
“The economic and social benefits of connecting communities to high-speed broadband are significant and UTOPIA Fiber is pleased to partner with GSCA to bring desperately needed service to California’s rural communities,” said Roger Timmerman, executive director of UTOPIA Fiber. “This partnership will help change the lives of millions of Californians, providing modern-day connectivity to residents and businesses who will be able to fully participate in the digital economy and enjoy a higher quality-of-life. Not only does high-speed broadband enable remote working, learning, and telehealth, it also provides the infrastructure needed to power better wireless coverage and advanced precision agriculture—and that’s just the beginning. We’re very excited for what’s to come.”
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