Fiber Optic Network

City Fiber Optic Investment

To date, the City owns and maintains approximately 40 miles of underground fiber optic cable (referred to as "City Fiber") that runs through the original core city area along the downtown corridor; adjacent to every facility within the Wonderful Industrial Park; and to the curb of all new homes in residential developments.  The City of Shafter continues to invest in fiber optic infrastructure that will aid in expanding access to quality, high-speed broadband internet to the residents and businesses within the community.  The City is particularly invested in bringing new City Fiber projects to our unserved and underserved communities.  

Staff within the City Fiber Division of Information Technology focus on four specific City goals central to our strategic vision:

1. Assess the state of the City’s existing fiber optic network to better identify the areas where infrastructure gaps exist and work towards the potential partnership between the City and a private Internet Service Provider (ISP).

2. Expand fiber access for public facilities and infrastructure to ensure continuous connectivity and service resilience for public safety, emergency response, and other essential City functions. 

3. Address the ‘digital divide’ by increasing broadband internet access for low income and disadvantaged residents, including those who are currently unserved or underserved. 

4. Improve broadband access in key commercial areas to maintain Shafter’s economic competitiveness, focusing on our ability to retain and attract job-creating businesses, entrepreneurs, and other technology-reliant innovators.

Contact Us


  1. Chris Schultz

    City Fiber Division Lead


    Scott Wiggins

    City Fiber Analyst


    336 Pacific Ave

    Shafter, CA 93263


    Ph: 661-746-5086

Internet Service Provider (ISP) Details

While the City does own and maintain its own fiber optic network, we are NOT an internet service provider.

Currently, the City has Master Service Agreements with two private ISPs - Lumen/CenturyLink and Vast Communications.  These ISPs are not the only telecommunication companies that provide service to Shafter businesses and residences, however these agreements allow them to access City Fiber resources in order to provide high-quality broadband internet to their customers.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions that City staff receive pertaining to our City Fiber infrastructure.

  • Does the City provide broadband internet service to its residents?

No.  The City ensures that all new housing developments have the infrastructure in place to support future fiber optic connections, and is working hard to secure grant funding to help bring fiber optic cabling to our low-income housing communities, or to those residents who currently do not have access to reliable, fast broadband internet.

  • I own/manage a business; can I use the City’s fiber optic network for my internet service?

Yes.  However the ability to utilize City Fiber may be a costly upgrade and/or may take a significant construction project in order to allow it to happen.

  • I want to dig underground on my property.  How do I ensure that I won’t accidentally damage the City’s fiber optic cables?

Before anyone digs on their property, the law requires that they submit a ticket into the USANorth Dig Alert 811 system.  Please call 811 before you dig!!  Click here for more information on their website.

Once a Dig Alert ticket is submitted for your dig, a City Fiber staff member will assess your project area as it compares to our underground fiber optic path.  If the City determines that your dig is within our fiber optic path, we will direct you to cancel your dig!

  • I live in Gossamer Grove.  Can I get my internet service from the City using its fiber optic network?

Not currently.  The City is currently not an internet service provider and nearly all ISPs that provide service to our Gossamer Grove residents do NOT utilize our fiber optic network.  However, the City is working hard to ensure all homes in Gossamer Grove have the adequate underground network in place in preparation for any future ISP that wishes to use our network path.

  • What does the City have planned for the future of its fiber optic network?

City Fiber is an amazing investment by the residents and has already benefitted so many throughout the entire community.  We should all be proud of this project!  

City staff are in the process of developing a long-term Broadband Master Plan that will help guide the future of our fiber optic network.  Once completed, the City will be well informed as to the potential future costs associated with bringing fiber optics to more residents and businesses.  This Plan will also include a complete assessment and maps that highlight where future fiber optic service connections should be built. 

In the fall of 2023, the City will be applying for significant Federal funding to expand our network capacity to more residents and businesses.  This is an exciting time for the growth of Shafter's broadband resources!

  • Why can’t I see a map of the fiber network path on this webpage?

The City makes a conscious effort NOT to show its fiber optic infrastructure path to the public.  Don't worry! We'd be happy to have a personal conversation with you about this network, however security is our #1 priority in choosing not to have this available publicly.