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Kings County approves two-year contract with Tone Consulting, cites multimillion-dollar broadband builds
Summary
The Kings County Board of Supervisors approved a two-year agreement with Tone Consulting Group to continue regional broadband planning and coordination, noting pending ISP projects and a CPUC prequalification for infrastructure grants.
The Kings County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 5 approved a two-year agreement with Tone Consulting Group to continue broadband consulting and coordination work, with the contract retroactive to July 1, 2025, and contingent on the county’s receipt of an updated certificate of insurance.
County Deputy Administrative Officer Matthew Boyette told the board the consulting relationship began in March and has supported a five-county regional broadband consortium, prequalification with the California Public Utilities Commission for infrastructure grants, and ongoing coordination with ISPs including AT&T and Comcast. “Since then, we’ve also submitted as a county and partner with Comcast... our prequalification portion of that has been approved to move forward,” Boyette said.
The agreement runs through June 30, 2027, and adds monthly reporting deliverables and scope to address related technologies and grant opportunities. Boyette described long timelines for the planned builds and called for a multi-year contract to provide continuity: much of the work is expected to extend well into 2027.
Julie Tone, CEO of Tone Consulting Group, told the board she and her team are working with ISPs and regional partners on multiple, concurrent projects. She said ISPs working in Kings County have received more than $25 million in federal funding awards and that AT&T and Comcast both have near-term construction schedules: AT&T’s first permits were described as on track to begin in October in the Kettleman City area; Comcast’s design work was described as complete and expected to begin permitting soon.
Boyette and Tone said the contract approval is contingent on the county receiving an updated certificate of insurance that meets county standards; Boyette said he received the certificate on the morning of the meeting and would forward it for risk review. The board approved the motion unanimously.
The board and deputies discussed scheduling a ceremonial groundbreaking in October and coordinating with ISPs on timing; Boyette said staff is working with AT&T to aim for the week of Oct. 27 if the originally proposed Oct. 15 date cannot be moved.
The contract passed by motion and roll call; the county will proceed after risk staff confirms insurance coverage meets requirements.
