FIBER OPTICS—Aspire’s construction in Moorpark began in late May. At right, a worker is “microtrenching” in a street, installing fiber-optic cables in narrow, shallow trenches cut into streets or sidewalks. Courtesy photos
Moorpark residents around the high school and Vons center area are a step closer to getting high-speed internet, as Aspire Broadband crews this week also completed a critical bridge attachment along Tierra Rejada Road—a milestone that brings the company closer to its first service launch in the city.
The locally based provider announced that Zone 1A construction is about 80% finished microtrenching neighborhoods, with service expected to go live in early October. The initial build out covers neighborhoods along Tierra Rejada Road from Los Angeles Avenue to about Brookhurst Court.
“Big things are happening and we’re moving steadily along,” said project manager Juan Pinzon, noting that the company expects to finish Zone 1A in mid-September and begin signing up customers shortly after.
To overcome challenges crossing the Arroyo Simi bridge, crews used a boom attachment to secure conduit since microtrenching— Aspire’s primary installation method—was not possible at that location. Pinzon said the company will soon begin installing cabinets, a step he described as one that accelerates progress toward service activation.
Microtrenching is a method of installing fiber-optic cables in very narrow, shallow trenches cut into streets or sidewalks. The fiber is laid in the trench and then quickly filled, minimizing disruption to traffic, sidewalks, and landscaping while allowing faster, more cost-effective installation compared with traditional digging.
Aspire Broadband, launched earlier this year under parent company Aspire Communications, plans to deliver high-speed, underground fiber-optic internet to more than 11,000 homes and businesses in Moorpark. The project is part of a citywide effort approved by the City Council in April, advancing Moorpark’s 2020 Broadband Strategic Plan.
“This is more than just faster internet,” Aspire CEO Stephen Weatherford said when the agreement was approved. “We’re building future-proof infrastructure that enhances public safety, supports economic development, and provides affordable, reliable service for years to come.”
Jillian Shock, Aspire’s marketing coordinator, said the company is opening a storefront on Discovery Court near Los Angeles Avenue where residents can pre-register for service. “If they sign up now, they’ll be the first to receive an email to schedule installation before anyone else,” she said.
Under the deal, Aspire will construct and operate a next-generation fiber network, offering speeds up to 2 gigabits per second for residents and up to 10 Gbps for businesses and city operations.
The agreement grants the company use of the city’s right-of-way and includes a revenue-sharing provision of 6% of gross receipts from Moorpark customers. City staff estimate that could generate $200,000 annually within five years.
Monthly residential plans will start at $60 for 500 Mbps, $80 for 1 Gbps and $100 for 2 Gbps, all with symmetrical speeds, no equipment fees, free installation, long-term price protection and discounts for qualifying low-income households.
The city itself will also benefit, saving more than half on internet services by switching from Spectrum to Aspire.
Construction in Moorpark began in late May and is expected to last about 12 months, with additional service zones rolling out after Zone 1A. The next phase will extend further east along Tierra Rejada Road toward Highway 118.
City officials said most Moorpark residents and businesses have long had limited broadband choices, relying primarily on Spectrum or, in some neighborhoods, AT&T Fiber. They said Aspire’s entry into the market will bring competition, faster upload speeds and broader service coverage across the community.
Residents can pre-register and receive updates at aspirebroadband.com/moorpark.