The race to wire North County San Diego is picking up speed, with Intrepid Fiber Networks, a Brookfield-backed wholesale fiber company, planning an open‑access, multi‑gigabit network for Vista and San Marcos. The company says engineering, permitting and construction are already under way, and that customers could see service as early as early 2026. For residents and small businesses, the build is pitched as a way to get more retail internet choices over the same physical fiber.
In a press release via Business Wire, Intrepid said it will initially invest in Vista and San Marcos and will “deploy its next-generation high-speed network” across both cities. CEO Jack Waters, according to the release, framed California as a key market and praised the two North County communities as partners in the rollout. The company reiterated that engineering, permitting and construction are under way and that service is expected early in 2026.
Intrepid describes itself as a wholesale, open‑access infrastructure provider on its own site, noting that it launched as a Brookfield Infrastructure portfolio company and focuses on symmetrical, multi‑gigabit connections. Intrepid lists Waters and other executives and highlights recent U.S. buildouts. The company has been raising capital and accelerating construction; industry coverage of an upsized credit facility this summer showed Intrepid preparing to scale deployments, and Telecompetitor reported on that financing and the provider’s growing footprint.
How an Open‑Access Network Could Shake Up Competition
Open‑access models split the physical infrastructure from the retail service, so multiple internet providers can sell plans over the same fiber. That setup can increase choice and put some downward pressure on prices, according to experts. Community Networks documents examples where open‑access or municipal networks drew in new retail providers and delivered savings to local governments and institutions. The flip side is that local rollout timelines depend heavily on permitting, pole‑attachment approvals and how quickly retail ISPs decide to come on board.
Timeline and What Residents Should Watch For
Intrepid has repeated that engineering, permitting, and construction activities are active now, with customer service expected to begin in early 2026, according to the company’s announcement. Business Wire directs interested residents and businesses to Intrepid’s site for updates and availability. Local officials and potential customers should keep an eye out for public permitting notices and any franchise or permitting decisions that will shape how and when different neighborhoods are built out.
