Round Valley residents now have access to fiber optic broadband internet, a significant development aimed at bridging the digital divide that has long affected rural communities. The project, spearheaded by the Mendocino County Public Library system and powered by the CalREN Network, administered by CENIC, has already begun to make a marked difference in the community.
Josh Bennett, head librarian at Round Valley Public Library, shared insights into the origins of this high-speed internet upgrade. Previously, the library relied on a fixed wireless system with signals broadcasted from Sanhedrin Peak. “It worked sometimes,” Bennett said, “but it became clear it was not reliable enough for patrons and library operations.” Recognizing the need for a more robust connection, Mendocino County Library Administrator Barbara Chapman began pursuing the fiber optic project in 2019. Securing $100,000 in grant funding from the California State Library, the project culminated in the fiber optic connection arriving at the library in 2022, with the cable stretched over the mountains from Laytonville.
Bennett emphasized the significance of the upgrade for Round Valley, where connectivity has always been a challenge. “People couldn’t believe it was happening,” he said, noting the broader impact on the community. Improved access to internet services not only benefits library patrons but also addresses the digital divide that disproportionately affects rural residents, low-income families, seniors, and people of color.
In the wake of the library’s connection, internet provider Frontier has expanded the broadband service to Round Valley residents. Joseph Gauder, a lifelong resident, described his experience with the installation. “I called Frontier, and they gave me an appointment five days later. The installation was quick, and they told me I was one of the first connections in downtown Covelo,” Gauder said. He noted that over 400 addresses now have access to fiber optic broadband, a significant boost for the valley.
The digital divide has left many without access to essential services, like telehealth and remote learning. For rural communities like Round Valley, high-speed internet is not just a convenience but a necessity. As Bennett explained, “In emergencies, when cell phone service disappears, people turn to the library for Wi-Fi to communicate with family or first responders.”