In June 2025, the West Hills Community College District (WHCCD) marks a major milestone in the progress of the RuBICON Initiative (Rural Broadband Internet Cooperative Network)—a bold, community-first effort not to build internet infrastructure directly, but to build something more powerful: a regional broadband cooperative owned by and designed for the people it serves.
Unlike traditional broadband expansion projects, WHCCD does not aim to become an internet service provider. Instead, the goal of the RuBICON Initiative is to help form a community-owned cooperative that will operate as a broadband provider—delivering internet service through a nonprofit, local control model rather than a for-profit ISP. The cooperative model enables the community itself to own and manage the broadband infrastructure, ensuring long-term access, equity, and control in California's rural Central Valley.
"This is not just about broadband access—it's about fostering sustainable farming, building robust local economies, and empowering our rural communities for the digital future," said Jeff Seed, Associate Vice Chancellor of Information Technology at WHCCD. "The co-op model allows us to plan for the next 100 years—not just for today's needs."
The RuBICON Initiative draws inspiration from the electric cooperative movement of the 1930s, but with a 21st-century twist. The project aims to deliver affordable, reliable internet to rural communities by building shared infrastructure owned locally and designed to reinvest profits back into the region.
Launched in 2024, the initiative has gained momentum over the past year. The project's website serves as an interactive hub where stakeholders can learn more, review research findings, and join the growing movement.
In spring 2025, WHCCD completed a bilingual print and digital survey in English and Spanish that gathered input from residents across the region. The survey ran from March 24 to April 20 and was paired with speed test data, focus groups, and interviews with internet service providers to develop a holistic view of broadband challenges in the Central Valley.
"This is what community colleges were built for," said Dr. Robert Pimentel, Chancellor of WHCCD. "We don't wait for someone else to solve problems. We roll up our sleeves and work with our communities to create the solutions they deserve. The RuBICON Initiative is a model for how rural regions can take the lead in building their future."
As of May 30, the project's market analysis phase produced several core deliverables: an executive summary of broadband gaps and opportunities, a detailed data collection report, interactive maps showing underserved areas, a community engagement summary, and a market demand and competitive analysis.
These resources inform the initiative's next steps, which include a feasibility study to assess infrastructure needs and business models, digital literacy coordination to support user adoption, and planning for long-term funding and cooperative governance structures.
In parallel, WHCCD continues to recruit for farming and technical subcommittees to ensure the cooperative reflects the voices and needs of its diverse stakeholder base—including agriculture, public health, education, and small business.
The RuBICON Initiative is a rural movement. It represents a future where students, families, and farmers in communities like Coalinga, Firebaugh, and Avenal are no longer left behind because of inadequate internet access. It's about ownership, equity, opportunity, and ensuring the digital economy includes everyone.
To get involved or learn more about the initiative's findings and next steps, visit www.rubiconinitiative.com.