Brent Grisdale, CEO of Fabric Networks Inc., the new operator of the South Bay Fiber Network, shares his vision for growth
The South Bay Cities Council of Governments developed the South Bay Fiber Network’s core fiber ring (indicated in the map) through a 15-city municipal partnership. It provides an essential public resource to city governments and creates opportunities to bridge the digital divide in communities that are underserved with broadband.
The South Bay Fiber Network (SBFN) represents a forward-thinking model of public infrastructure—built by cities, for cities. As we look ahead to what this network can become, Fabric Networks Inc. is proud to collaborate with the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG) in supporting a long-term vision for open access connectivity—one that enhances municipal operations, enables smarter public services and promotes regional collaboration.
As the new network operator, Fabric’s goal is to help transform the SBFN into a shared platform that cities across the South Bay can continue to rely on for decades to come. From traffic systems and emergency communications to park connectivity and civic buildings, the open access model of a municipal fiber optic network scalable to businesses and residents is designed to reduce costs, strengthen resilience and offer local governments greater flexibility in how infrastructure is used.
Open access means infrastructure is shared—not siloed—and operated for the collective benefit of its public owners. Fabric delivers network operator as a service, which includes 24/7 monitoring, cybersecurity, maintenance and network operations from our U.S.-based Network Operations Center. Our role is to provide dependable service delivery while enabling the SBCCOG and its member cities to remain in control of the network’s future.
What makes this model so promising is its blend of public governance and professional operations. Every participating city has a voice in how the SBFN evolves, and Fabric is here to execute that vision efficiently and transparently. By removing technical complexity and centralizing support, we allow cities to focus on their priorities while gaining access to enterprise-grade performance.
Momentum is already building. The City of Gardena, for example, is actively expanding its municipal fiber to connect local park facilities and share that capacity through the SBFN framework. Gardena’s leadership demonstrates how cities can expand network reach and increase regional resilience through shared infrastructure.
With the possibility of state and federal funding still on the table for digital infrastructure and smart government initiatives, the South Bay remains well positioned to access and deploy resources quickly—should opportunities arise. Years of careful planning, fiber deployment and intergovernmental coordination have created a foundation that few regions can match.
At Fabric, we see the SBFN not just as a network of fiber but as a network of shared intent—a tool that can unlock value across departments, cities and communities. While we remain in the final stages of formalizing our role and agreements that will set the course for the SBFN’s future, we are committed to advancing this vision in partnership with the SBCCOG and its member cities. •
To learn more about the South Bay Fiber Network visit southbaycities.org/south-bay-fiber-network