VARCOMM extends broadband internet to the community of Terra Bella in California's Southern San Joaquin Valley

Media Contact:
Lacey Patrick, Media Specialist
O: (559) 624-7154, M: (559) 502-6858, LPatrick@tularecounty.ca.gov

 

On February 21, VARCOMM hosted a groundbreaking ceremony in Terra Bella, CA, a rural community approximately 30 miles southeast of Visalia, to kick off its new rural broadband expansion project in Tulare County. The project will bring VARCOMM’s broadband network to approximately 1,312 previously unserved locations in the Terra Bella area and is expected to be completed by 2026. The groundbreaking was held at Setton Park, graciously provided by Setton Pistachios.

The expansion is made possible by a more than $10 million Federal Funding Account (FFA) grant from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), which supports infrastructure projects and ongoing efforts to build awareness about affordable connectivity services like those VARCOMM provides.
As part of this expansion, VARCOMM is already delivering reliable high-speed internet to local businesses and has installed equipment at Setton Park, establishing it as a key hub for broadband innovation in the region. This partnership has made strides in local connectivity.

Eric Vartaw, a Mexican American entrepreneur, and co-owner Jenifer Vellucci make VARCOMM the first Mexican American and woman-owned incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC). CPUC Commissioner Darcie Houck and Tulare County Supervisor Dennis Townsend joined representatives from the offices of Congressman David Valadao, Senator Melissa Hurtado, and Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo in recognizing the development. Alongside community members, VARCOMM staff, Setton Pistachios spokesman Fernando Rios, and Ducor Elementary School officials, they helped celebrate this much-needed advancement.

VARCOMM is committed to providing reliable, high-speed internet without lags or disruptions. Subscribed residents and businesses can seamlessly browse the web, check emails, transfer large files, and participate in virtual meetings with the necessary bandwidth at affordable prices. As a trusted, locally managed network, VARCOMM is working to ensure communities like those of Terra Bella and nearby Ducor stay connected. This broadband expansion builds on VARCOMM’s existing voice services in Terra Bella, which offer modern calling features, including affordable long-distance options.

For more information, please call 888-539-5234 or visit www.varcomm.net/cal-broadband.

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The County of Tulare’s Resource Management Agency (RMA) provides essential public services to unincorporated communities and supports eight municipalities efficiently and professionally at the heart of California’s Central Valley. The RMA consists of three branches: Public Works, Fiscal Services, and Economic Development & Planning, all supporting several divisions. The Planning and Building Division handles construction inspection, building permits, environmental planning, community plans and zoning codes. The Public Works Division manages roads, bridges, airports, sewers and water facilities. The Fiscal Services Division oversees budgeting, accounting, and human resources, ensuring effective program management. The Grants Division oversees funding opportunities and Forest Health initiatives. The Economic Development Office (EDO) promotes business retention and expansion, jobs creation and tourism through the following channels: Grow Tulare County, Discover Tulare County and The Film Commission. The RMA is dedicated to providing excellent customer service and project support for residents, developers, and business owners and is committed to safeguarding the community's health, safety, and environmental resources.
tularecounty.ca.gov/rma

VARCOMM was founded in 1910 when farmers in southern Tulare County, CA, banded together to create a small telephone network with a single telephone line, and the company was incorporated in 1954 to create the Ducor Telephone Company. In 1977, the company began to expand to service Rancho Tehama and later Kennedy Meadows. In 1993, the company began providing Internet services under the name Varnet, Inc. The company adopted the name VARCOMM (part of VARCOMM Holdings, Inc.) in 2018, along with the introduction of broadband and enhanced services. In 2021, with Eric Votaw and Jenifer Vellucci at the helm, VARCOMM became the first Mexican-American and female-owned incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC) in California’s history. Committed to our community, committed to quality, committed to service, and committed to your hometown network. Our mission is you!
www.varcomm.net