Bridging the Digital Divide

About RuBICON

The Rural Broadband Internet Co-Op Network

The RuBICON initiative is working to bring fast, reliable internet to your area. As a community-owned broadband co-op, RuBICON gives you a voice in shaping a broadband network that works for you—because when you subscribe to the broadband service, you also own part of the company providing the service.

Better internet means stronger businesses, better schools, and new opportunities for farms and families in the Central Valley. Right now, RuBICON is focused on planning, research, and infrastructure. Be part of the conversation as we work toward a more connected future.

How it Works

The RuBICON initiative is designed to serve the people who use it. Here’s a quick look at how the process will work—from planning to connection.

1.
Community-Led Planning

Local leaders guide research, outreach, and early decisions based on the needs of their communities as part of an initial steering committee.

2.
Establishing the Co-Op

The cooperative is formally established, and subcommittees focused on nonprofits, farms, and infrastructure help guide its development.

3.
Building the Network

Experts assess gaps in current infrastructure, beginning planning and development where new broadband is needed.

4.
Bringing Broadband to You

Once construction is complete, the network delivers fast, affordable internet to homes, farms, schools, and businesses across the region.

Steering Committee

RuBICON is led by a steering committee made up of community representatives from across the Central Valley. These individuals are guiding the early development of the broadband co-op, ensuring the project reflects the needs of the people it serves.

Jeff Seed
Associate Vice Chancellor, IT
West Hills College District
David Tapia
Project Director
West Hills College District
John Devlin
Chief Information Officer
Kings County
Elizabeth Jonasson
Deputy GM, External Affairs
Westlands Water District
Felipe Piedra
Superintendent
Golden Plains Unified SD
Jeff Percell
Superintendent
Riverdale Joint Unified SD
Sean Brewer
Interim City Manager
City of Coalinga
Virginia Penaloza
City Manager
City of Huron
Antony Lopez
City Manager
City of Avenal
Ben Gallegos
City Manager
City of Firebaugh
Elizabeth Cabrera
City Manager
City of San Joaquin
Ryan Jacobsen
CEO
Fresno County Farm Bureau
Victor Martinez
Mayor
City of Mendota
Dusty Ference
Executive Director
Kings County Farm Bureau

Subcommittees

To support focused outreach and input, RuBICON is building three subcommittees made up of local leaders and subject matter experts from key sectors. Each group plays an important role in shaping the co-op and expanding access to broadband where it’s needed most.

Nonprofit & CBO

This subcommittee focuses on how broadband can improve access to essential services for underserved populations, ensuring that equity and inclusion remain central to the project.

Farm

This group advises on the unique needs of the agricultural community and explores how better internet access can support modern farming tools, efficiency, and growth.

Broadband Infrastructure

This subcommittee brings together technical experts and infrastructure partners to identify existing assets, recommend solutions, and guide the development of new broadband systems.

Partners

RuBICON logomark photo collage

Why Build a Broadband Co-Op?

Traditional internet providers don’t always prioritize rural communities—but a co-op model changes that. A broadband co-op is owned by its subscribers, which means decisions are made locally, not by a corporate office. Profits are reinvested in the network or returned to members, helping to keep service strong and affordable. It’s a better model, built for the people who use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Want to learn more about how broadband co-ops work and what RuBICON means for your community? Check out our most common questions and answers.