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County updates: Astound reports progress on multi‑project fiber builds; gaps remain uphill and in Tahoe areas
Summary
Astound and county IT updated supervisors on a multi‑project broadband expansion across Placer County, reporting several completed projects with subscriber penetration varying from about 10% to 50%, ongoing construction in Newcastle and North Auburn, and a large Foothills grant‑funded project targeting Applegate/Cape Horn/Magra set for 2026 completion. Board members urged continued focus on equity for uphill and Tahoe communities.
Astound Broadband and Placer County IT briefed supervisors Aug. 19 on progress in bringing fiber‑to‑the‑home service to unserved and underserved areas. Presenters summarized completed projects (Penryn, Christian Valley, parts of Sheridan), ongoing construction in Newcastle and North Auburn, and a large Foothills (Applegate/Cape Horn/Magra) grant‑funded expansion expected to complete in 2026.
Astound reported subscription (take) rates vary by project: roughly 50% in some completed areas, lower (under 10%) in parts of Sheridan, and growth as construction turns up neighborhoods in multi‑phase builds. County and company representatives said cost‑share arrangements varied by project and typically reflected county seed funding plus company investment and grant awards; the FFA expansion is funded largely by state grant sources with Astound contributing network termination and customer drop equipment.
Board members highlighted remaining gaps, especially uphill and Tahoe communities where grants have not yet solved the business case, and urged additional outreach and survey work so residents without broadband can be prioritized when funding becomes available. Astound representatives noted a low‑income program (“Internet First”) that provides 100 Mbps service for $20 per month to qualified households.
