Citywide Broadband & Digital Equity Project

Thinking about making the switch to fiber internet? You're not alone. More and more Vallejo residents are upgrading their connection — and for good reason. Fiber internet is fast, reliable, and future-ready. But we get it — switching can feel like a big step, especially if you're used to cable or DSL. So let’s break it all down for you.

What is Fiber Internet, Exactly?

Fiber internet uses thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data as light signals. That means lightning-fast speeds and a more stable connection, even when the whole neighborhood is online. Unlike cable, which can slow down during peak hours, fiber delivers consistently high performance.

Why Make the Switch?

• Speed: With fiber, you can get symmetrical speeds — that means your upload speed is just as fast as your download speed. Perfect for Zoom calls, streaming, uploading big files, or running a small business.

• Reliability: Fiber isn’t affected by weather the way cable can be. And since it’s a dedicated line to your home, you don’t have to share bandwidth with your neighbors.

• Future-Proof: As tech evolves and our internet needs grow, fiber is built to handle it all. It’s the gold standard for connectivity, and switching now sets you up for years to come.

What Should I Expect When Switching?

At VIP Fiber, we try to make switching as smooth as possible. Here’s what the process looks like:

1. Check Availability: First, visit vipfiber.com to see if we’re available at your address. (If not, sign up for updates — we’re expanding fast!)

2. Sign Up: Choose a plan that fits your needs. No contracts, no hidden fees.

3. Installation: One of our team members will schedule a time for our technician to install the fiber line and get your service set up. We’ll walk you through everything and answer any questions.

4. You’re Online! Enjoy blazing speeds, crystal-clear video calls, and buffer-free streaming.

Common Questions We Get

• Is fiber more expensive than cable?
  Nope! In fact, with no extra equipment fees or contracts, many customers save money by switching.
• Do I need a new router?
  You might be able to use your current one, but we can recommend models that work best with fiber if you want an upgrade.
• What if I want to cancel?
  No problem — our service is month-to-month. If you’re not happy, you can leave anytime (but we think you’ll love it).

Ready to Make the Move?

Switching to fiber isn’t just about speed — it’s about peace of mind, better performance, and investing in your digital future. Whether you're working from home, gaming, running a business, or just want a more reliable connection, fiber’s got you covered.

Have questions? Want to talk to a real person? Busy and prefer to email? We’re local — give us a call, send an email, or swing by our office right here in Vallejo. You can find out contact information here at www.vipfiber.com

VIP Fiber has officially started work to bring high-speed fiber internet to Mare Island, beginning with Azuar Drive! Residents in this area will be the first to have access to our service as we continue expanding across the island.

Our crew has been hard at work laying the groundwork for a reliable fiber network, ensuring that Mare Island receives the fast and affordable internet it deserves. While Azuar Drive will see service availability first, this is just the beginning—we’re committed to making fiber connectivity accessible to the entire island.

If you're in the Azuar Drive area and want to be among the first to get connected, visit www.vipfiber.com to check availability and sign up for updates. Or reach us at 877-792-3734 or info@syberfiber.com.

Mare Island, we’re on our way! Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our expansion.

Vallejoans, get ready to stay connected on the go! VIP Fiber is excited to announce the launch of our first public Wi-Fi hotspot, located right in front of the historic Empress Theatre. Whether you’re catching up on emails, streaming music, or exploring downtown Vallejo, our free public Wi-Fi makes it easier than ever to stay connected.

How to Connect:
Simply search for "Vallejo Public Wi-Fi" on your device, and you’re good to go! No passwords or logins required—just fast, reliable internet, courtesy of VIP Fiber.

Why We’re Doing This:
As Vallejo’s city-owned internet provider, we’re committed to bridging the digital divide and bringing connectivity to our community. This new hotspot is just the beginning of our efforts to make high-speed internet accessible to everyone, everywhere.

Stop By and Try It Out:
Next time you’re near the Empress Theatre, take a moment to test out the new Wi-Fi and experience the speed and reliability of VIP Fiber. We can’t wait to hear what you think!

Stay tuned for more updates as we expand public Wi-Fi access across Vallejo.

In 2024, VIP Fiber, Vallejo's community-owned internet service provider, achieved significant milestones in expanding and enhancing broadband access for residents and businesses.

Rebranding and Community Engagement

Early in the year, the City of Vallejo rebranded its municipal broadband service from "VallejoNet" to "VIP Fiber." This initiative aimed to position Vallejo as a hub for technological innovation and to reflect the city's commitment to providing high-quality, reliable internet service to its community.

CPUC Grant Award

In November, VIP Fiber secured a $3.85 million grant from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to expand broadband infrastructure in underserved areas of Vallejo. This funding supports four major projects:

• Mare Island Build: Enhancing digital infrastructure to support new businesses and attract further growth.

• North Sonoma Boulevard Expansion: Improving internet connectivity for residents and small businesses, thereby increasing access to healthcare and educational opportunities.

• Porter Street to Seaport Connectivity: Upgrading broadband infrastructure to help local businesses compete more effectively in industries that require fast and reliable internet service.

• Trailer City Park Initiative: Extending broadband access to one of Vallejo's most underserved residential areas, enabling residents to better connect with online services.

Launch of Customer-Facing Website

To enhance customer experience and accessibility, VIP Fiber launched a new website on service plans, pricing, and availability. The site provides resources for both residential and business customers, ensuring that the community can easily access the information needed to make informed decisions about their internet services.

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Participation

VIP Fiber participated in the Affordable Connectivity Program, a federal initiative aimed at providing low-cost internet access to income-qualified Vallejo residents. Through this program, participants could receive discounts of up to $30 per month on their home internet service, allowing for a free 100-megabit connection or 1 Gig service at a reduced rate. However, it's important to note that the ACP stopped accepting new applications and enrollments on February 7, 2024, with the last fully funded month being April 2024.

Community Impact and Future Outlook

Throughout 2024, VIP Fiber connected numerous local businesses, including Brooks & Co. Real Estate, Kindred Motorworks, Aardvarks Adventureland, Better Chew Kitchen, and Suite Treatments Inc., demonstrating its commitment to supporting the local economy. As the year concluded, VIP Fiber expressed enthusiasm for continuing to provide high-speed, reliable internet services in 2025, aiming to make it a year of blazing-fast speeds and robust community support.

Overall, 2024 was a transformative year for VIP Fiber, marked by significant achievements in expanding broadband access, securing substantial funding, and reinforcing its dedication to serving the Vallejo community.

The VIP Fiber family wishes you a Happy New Year!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: November 12, 2024

CONTACT: pio@cityofvallejo.net

From left to right: Naveed Ashraf (IT Director for the City of Vallejo), Stephen Stukas (CEO of Smart Fiber Networks) , and Karin Ingwersen (Public Utilities Regulatory Analyst)

City of Vallejo

City Receives $3.85 Million CPUC Grant for the Last Mile Expansion in Vallejo

Vallejo, CA - City of Vallejo’s Underserved Areas to Benefit from $3.85 Million CPUC Grant for Expanded Broadband Infrastructure

The City of Vallejo is happy to announce the California Public Utilities Commission on November 7 awarded the City a $3.85 Million grant that will improve internet connectivity for underserved areas of the City. The grant will provide funding for four major broadband infrastructure projects that will address the need for reliable high-speed internet access. These projects include the Mare Island Build, North Sonoma Boulevard expansion, Porter Street to Seaport connectivity, and the Trailer City Park initiative.

Project 1: Mare Island Build

Mare Island has grown with new businesses and this grant will help ensure that these developments are supported by cutting-edge digital infrastructure and in turn, attract new growth.

Project 2: North Sonoma Boulevard

The grant will help improve internet connectivity for residents and small businesses in the diverse North Sonoma Boulevard community. This improved service will provide greater healthcare access and educational opportunities.

Project 3: Porter Street to Seaport Expansion

The Porter Street to Seaport project will benefit area businesses with improved broadband infrastructure and boost business operations to compete with industries that rely on fast and reliable internet service.

Project 4: Trailer City Park

Broadband expansion in The Trailer City Park project will help one of Vallejo’s most underserved residential areas. The grant will help residents better connect with online services and improve residents’ overall quality of life.

The CPUC's Federal Funding Account was established to address such disparities by funding broadband infrastructure projects in communities where private investment has been slow to arrive.

Naveed Ashraf, City of Vallejo’s IT Chief Innovation Officer, praised the collaboration between the city, Smart Fiber Network and Cal Consulting, stating, “This funding will allow Vallejo to make significant strides in addressing our broadband needs. Reliable internet is not a luxury; it’s a necessity, and this grant will help us provide that to all corners of our city, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in today’s digital world.”

The four projects funded by the CPUC grant are expected to begin in early 2025, with completion timelines varying depending on the complexity of the infrastructure work.

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Please feel free to read the press release on the Vallejo Weekly as well!

AARDVARKS ADVENTURELAND

At VIP Fiber, we pride ourselves on providing a high-speed, reliable internet connection and exceptional customer experiences. Today, we’re thrilled to share another glowing testimonial from one of our satisfied customers, Renee Sanders, the owner of Aardvarks Adventureland, who recently switched to VIP Fiber and couldn’t be happier with the decision.

Why VIP Fiber?

When asked why she made the switch, Renee was clear: "Speed and coverage." Like many in Vallejo, she was looking for a solution that met her needs at a competitive price. "VIP Fiber offered a local solution with the coverage we needed and an amazing price!" she shared.

Standing Out from the Competition

What truly makes VIP Fiber stand out for Renee is the personalized touch. "VIP is GREAT to work with!!! So much better than the mega corporations in every way!" she exclaimed, highlighting the benefits of choosing a locally-run service that understands the community's unique needs.

Why Recommend VIP Fiber?

Renee’s experience with the transition was seamless. "Our transition to VIP was pretty simple and went smoothly," she said, noting that VIP Fiber delivered on every promise without the hassle often associated with larger providers.

When asked if there was anything we could improve, her response was simple: "Nope! Keep up the excellent work!!"

Continuing Our Commitment to Vallejo

We are honored to serve customers like Aardvarks Adventureland and will continue to strive for excellence in everything we do. VIP Fiber is here to provide the best possible service to Vallejo, offering the speed, coverage, and support that residents deserve.

At VIP Fiber, our mission is to provide exceptional service at an affordable price, and there's no better proof of our success than hearing directly from our customers. We are thrilled to share our very first testimonial from Faith Food Fridays, a nonprofit organization in Vallejo dedicated to supporting the community.

Why Faith Food Fridays Chose VIP Fiber

For Faith Food Fridays, making the switch to VIP Fiber was driven by a need for reliable and cost-effective service. As a nonprofit, every dollar counts, and their previous provider’s frequent rate increases without any improvement in service or customer support left them searching for a better option.

"Our previous provider kept increasing their rates, with absolutely no improvement in service or customer service. We're a non-profit, so every dollar spent on operating costs takes away from providing badly needed assistance to our community members," the Administrative Director explained.

What Makes VIP Fiber Stand Out

When asked what made VIP Fiber stand out from other options, Faith Food Fridays highlighted not just our competitive pricing, but also the professionalism and friendliness of our team.

"Low cost, but frankly, the staff’s friendliness and professionalism from the initial contact through to the completion of the service installation stands out as a gamechanger for us," the Administrative Director said.

Why Faith Food Fridays Recommends VIP Fiber

Faith Food Fridays is now an enthusiastic advocate for VIP Fiber, recommending our service to others in Vallejo. They cited both the quality of our service and our proactive communication as key reasons to make the switch.

"While the much lower cost is a definite advantage; we feel that the quality of the service along with the proactive and professional communications are equally reasons everyone in Vallejo should switch to VIP Fiber. You will NOT regret it!"

Room for Improvement

Of course, no service is perfect, and Faith Food Fridays offered valuable feedback for us to improve. They mentioned a bit of confusion regarding the separate service for offering free Wi-Fi to their clients and the need for more detailed instructions on using the voicemail app.

"There was a little bit of confusion about whether we were getting a separate service where we could offer free Wi-Fi to our clients, and the directions for how to use the voicemail app were incomplete. Other than those two very minor issues, everything went perfectly!"

A Breath of Fresh Air

Finally, Faith Food Fridays shared their overall experience with VIP Fiber, emphasizing how refreshing it was to work with a team that genuinely cares about delivering top-notch service.

"It was such a 'breath of fresh air' to have service technicians who were friendly, completely competent and professional yet really seemed to care about providing best-of-class service."

Conclusion

We are incredibly grateful to Faith Food Fridays for being our first testimonial and for their honest feedback. At VIP Fiber, we are committed to continually improving our service and providing the best possible experience for all our customers.

If you’re considering a switch to VIP Fiber, take it from Faith Food Fridays—you won’t regret it! Check your availability today at www.vipfiber.com.

Mare Island's 4th of July celebration this year was a resounding success, thanks in part to the seamless public Wi-Fi provided by VIP Fiber. As thousands of attendees flocked to the historic Waterfront for a day of festivities, local vendors were able to offer a more connected and efficient service, ensuring that everyone had an unforgettable experience.

VIP Fiber, a leading provider of high-speed internet solutions, stepped in to ensure that vendors had access to reliable Wi-Fi throughout the event. This support was crucial for the myriad of food stalls, craft booths, and entertainment providers who relied on digital transactions and real-time communication to operate smoothly.

In addition to boosting operational efficiency, the Wi-Fi network also allowed vendors to engage more effectively with attendees through social media, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the event. Attendees could easily share their experiences online, promoting the celebration and drawing even more visitors throughout the day.

VIP Fiber's commitment to supporting local events and businesses was evident in their thorough planning and implementation of the Wi-Fi network. Their team worked closely with event organizers to identify key areas where connectivity was most needed, ensuring a robust and reliable service.

"We are thrilled to have played a role in making this year's 4th of July celebration on Mare Island a success," said Stephen Stukas, CEO of Smart Fiber Networks. "Supporting local communities and helping businesses thrive is at the heart of what we do, and we look forward to continuing to provide top-notch service for future events."

As the sun set and the drones lit up the sky, it was clear that VIP Fiber's contribution had helped create a more enjoyable and connected experience for everyone involved. Mare Island's 4th of July event was a testament to the positive impact that reliable public Wi-Fi can have on community celebrations.

The Syber Fiber team, in collaboration with CommScope, hosted a successful and engaging "Bratz and Broadband" event today, serving the Vallejo community. The event featured CommScope's mobile van, which showcased their comprehensive FTTH (Fiber to the Home) solutions to attendees.

Visitors had the opportunity to explore the cutting-edge technologies that can assist AltNets and various service providers in expanding broadband access to everyone, everywhere. CommScope's mobile van will continue its journey across the country, providing an exclusive, hands-on look at these innovative solutions to communities nationwide.

In addition to the technological demonstrations, Syber Fiber and CommScope delighted attendees with free hot dogs, drinks, and a wealth of valuable information about broadband advancements. The event was a resounding success, bringing together community members and industry experts in a friendly and informative setting.

"Seeing the community come together to learn about fiber optics and the process of how ISPs get communities connected was very encouraging." said a Syber Fiber representative. "Thank you to everyone who came and stopped by. Here's to the next one!"

The Syber Fiber team looks forward to future events, continuing their mission to connect communities and enhance broadband access.

Click here to learn more about Commscope and their journey.