On April 22, 2025, the City Council selected Intrepid Fiber Networks as the top-scoring proposer for a fiber-optic network public-private partnership and has authorized the City Manager or their designee to negotiate the public-private partnership agreement to expand broadband access for the City of Vacaville.

Intrepid Fiber Networks is a Fiber-to-the-Premises operator and builder with a Wholesale Open Access Model, based in Broomfield, CO. Intrepid was incorporated in January 2022 and is led by established telecommunications executives with over 100 years of combined experience in the industry. Their mission is to deliver world-class fiber to communities throughout the United States to meet the broadband demands of the future. 

Broadband is a term used to describe any high-speed Internet access used that enables wireless and/or wireline connectivity to cell phones, computers, tablets and other devices.  

As online dependency continues to increase, broadband will become an even more important component to equip the City, residents and local businesses with the services they need to compete and thrive in the digital economy. 

Phase I

On May 19th, 2021 the City of Vacaville was awarded the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant for $187,500 to fund the City of Vacaville Broadband Master Plan.  Matching funds of $62,500 have already been budgeted as a requirement for the grant.

The EDA award supports the Authorized Scope of Work for this project which includes:

1. Develop a comprehensive request for proposals for the procurement of a consultant to prepare a City of Vacaville-Broadband Master Plan.
2. Contract with selected consultant.
3. Prepare and develop a comprehensive Citywide Broadband Master Plan document which includes identification of existing infrastructure and provide recommendations and requirements for the City to undertake for the construction of a complete and fully functional broadband/fiber optic rings system. This master plan document will be the basis for implementing the actual construction and buildout of the required infrastructure.

Phase II

The second phase, now completed, will position the City to pursue construction of a local, publicly-owned fiber backbone.  This design will leverage the state's middle-mile network by connecting in at least two points to create a resilient fiber network to meet the needs of unserved and underserved citizens and businesses within the City of Vacaville.  For more information, view the staff report related to the LATA Grant.

Magellan Entrust was selected to develop Phase I, a Broadband Master Plan to guide the construction, implementation, maintenance, management, regulation, operation and funding of the City’s broadband assets. Magellan’s plan provides details about available infrastructure and a gap analysis, along with recommendations for routes and locations for a fiber and/or wireless buildout to pave the City’s digital highway. 

The development of a Broadband Master Plan will provide data on existing public and private infrastructure, and increase coordination among City departments and external stakeholders. City and Magellan Advisors staff members will engage with businesses and residents over the coming months to request feedback about bandwidth services currently deployed.  The plan will be based, in part, on this feedback, and will include a transparent process to identify and prioritize opportunities to expand broadband access and position the City to maximize the community benefits of future public private partnerships.