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Shafter approves ‘ShafterOnline’ and SoulNet Fiber branding, moves to acquire domains and begin $7 million broadband buildout
Summary
Council approved a community-based internet brand (ShafterOnline/SoulNet Fiber) and authorized staff to acquire domains and proceed with a public-private rollout backed by $7 million in grant funds, targeting service to about 3,400 homes and 100 businesses and capping basic plans at roughly $45 per month under grant rules.
The Shafter City Council on Dec. 2 approved a branding and domain plan for the city’s community-based internet program, endorsing the use of the domain shafteronline.com and the consumer brand SoulNet Fiber as part of a public-private partnership to expand fiber service.
Chris Schultz, deputy IT director, outlined recent milestones: a 2023 network assessment, a 2024 broadband master plan, engineering for the expansion, and a P3 with Smart Fiber Networks. Schultz said the rollout is partially funded by approximately $7 million in grant money focused first on underserved neighborhoods and that, if all goes to plan, staff and the ISP partner expect to connect about 3,400 homes and 100 businesses within roughly six months of construction start.
Schultz said the grant program caps basic plans (at speeds he described as over 100 Mbps upload and download) at about $45 per month; final pricing and plan details will be determined with the ISP partner. He also presented draft visual branding that aligns the service with the city’s color palette and bilingual outreach materials; the council authorized staff to acquire website domains and trademarks as needed and directed staff to return final logos and marketing materials for city manager approval prior to public launch.
Council approved the brand and domain on a motion by Council Member Espinosa and a second by Council Member Alvarado. Staff noted the city will use grant funds where possible and that the ISP partner will be responsible for much of the network construction and customer service. The consent calendar earlier that evening also included a $54,391 contract related to phase one fiber conduit and vault installation.
City staff said the first service area rollout is targeted for January as infrastructure allows, with staff working to prioritize underserved blocks identified in the grant application.
