Julian News: State Fiber Plan Includes Julian in 212 Miles of New Rural Home Broadband

JULIAN NEWS | ORIGINAL LOCAL NEWS · OCTOBER 2026

The California Public Utilities Commission recorded a May 14, 2026 filing for a Zito California broadband project covering Julian and Ramona in San Diego County. The proposal identifies 212 miles of new fiber-to-the-home construction across those two service areas, along with separate investments farther east in Borrego Springs and toward the Salton Sea.

What the public documents establish

The state’s description notes that the Julian terrain is mountainous and rocky, a practical issue for installing fiber and constructing connections. The project includes last-mile fiber designed to make household access possible, distinguishing it from the 55.9 miles of middle-mile links elsewhere in the proposal.

Why this matters locally

For rural households, the difference between backbone fiber, last-mile distribution and an actual activated home connection is significant. The planning notice does not list every eligible Julian address, a price, a subscriber installation date or a guarantee that construction is already complete. Terrain and access rights may affect the eventual pace of deployment.

What residents can check next

Julian News will seek the project map, permitted utility corridors, construction stages, service availability notices and any public subsidy conditions. Readers should check coverage directly with an operator before assuming a property is served. The CEQA filing documents a proposal and environmental determination, not universal service.

Primary source

California Public Utilities Commission — Julian/Ramona/Borrego Springs Fiber Project, May 14, 2026.

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