The West Hills Broadband Cooperative: West Hills College is leading the development of a broadband cooperative in western Fresno County. This project involves partners in education, government, the private sector, and communities. In particular, West Hills College Farm of the Future and the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources are contributing their expertise. Resources are being drawn from federal agencies, including the USDA. This project includes private sector partnerships, which include Geo Partners, among others. Most importantly, this project doesn't solely focus on the underserved; it opens access and provides training to the unserved.
The Cal.net – Microsoft – Terranova Ranch Project: In August 2023, rural internet service provider Cal.net partnered with Microsoft and Terranova Ranch. Cal.net installed soil moisture sensors and enabled automated controls for Terranova's water valves. The results of this project were tremendous. During this project and as a direct result of these precision ag applications, Terranova Ranch saw a 10% reduction in water usage for these acres. Cal.net provided workforce development training to Terranova to up-skill their incumbent workers using the new technology. In addition, the fixed wireless tower that Cal.net installed on the land for this project provided internet access to rural and low-income workers, students, and families living nearby. As a Microsoft Airband partner, Cal.net can provide Affordable Connectivity Program training and digital literacy/fluency training to rural residents who subscribe to the services. This project demonstrated that rural broadband supports sustainable farming and thriving rural communities. This project caught the attention of the FCC, the Governor's Office, the CDFA, the USDA, the US Congress, Western Growers, and West Hills Community College.