Race Communications

Race Communications

California fiber internet and telecom provider

Overview

Race Communications provides fiber-optic internet, television, and phone services across California, with a focus on areas that larger providers overlook. It builds and operates high-speed fiber networks to connect communities in urban and rural regions. Unlike many peers, it is founder-led and family-owned, and it has grown with strategic backing from Oak Hill Capital and other partners to accelerate network deployment, including a recent capital raise and the acquisition of Atherton Fiber. The company’s goal is to expand its fiber footprint so more California locations — up to about one million — have access to reliable high-speed connectivity.

Significant Headcount Growth

About Race Communications

Simplify's Rating
Why Race Communications is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Hardware

Industrial & Manufacturing

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

Debt Financing

Total Funding

$500M

Headquarters

South San Francisco, California

Founded

1994

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Race broke ground in Lodi on July 16, 2026 for 17,000 locations.
  • Race launched Fresno rollout July 8, 2026, targeting 38,000 homes and businesses.
  • Race posted July 31, 2026 openings across construction, network, and sales roles.

What critics are saying

  • Turlock officials cited yard damage complaints in March 2026 and escalated inspections.
  • Race seeks a CPUC CPCN in Application 26-05-012, creating approval and disclosure risk.
  • If take-rates lag, Race's 2024 capital and 2026 builds become stranded assets.

What makes Race Communications unique

  • Race runs California-only 100% FTTH, reaching 10 gigabits in select markets.
  • Raul Alcaraz has led Race since 1994, preserving founder control and local relationships.
  • Oak Hill's 2024 $500 million raise funds a one-million-location buildout.

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Funding

Total Funding

$500M

Above

Industry Average

Funded Over

2 Rounds

Growth Equity Non VC funding comparison data is currently unavailable. We're working to provide this information soon!
Growth Equity Non VC Funding Comparison
Coming Soon

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

401(k) Company Match

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

Paid Holidays

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

21%

1 year growth

21%

2 year growth

21%
Lodi Chamber of Commerce
Jul 28th, 2026
Race Communications kicks off multimillion-dollar investment in city of Lodi.

Race Communications kicks off multimillion-dollar investment in city of Lodi. July 28, 2026 Race Communications broke ground on a fiber-optic network expected to connect 17,000 Lodi homes and businesses to gigabit internet service, crediting the city's Public Works department as an essential partner in getting the project underway. Read Full News Story HERE

Madera County Economic Development Commission
Jun 12th, 2026
Race Communications launches Madera fiber network for 9,000 properties.

Race Communications launches Madera fiber network for 9,000 properties. June 10, 2026 Race Communications has begun construction on a fiber-optic network in Madera that is expected to bring high-speed internet access to more than 9,000 homes and businesses, the company said in an announcement Wednesday. The project is part of Race's ongoing expansion in the Valley, where the company has been growing its fiber-to-the-home network in multiple communities. The California-based provider said residents can sign up for construction updates and pre-sale information at the company's website. The network is designed to expand access to multigigabit internet services and increase broadband options. Property owners will receive notifications via mail and other outreach efforts, including door hangers and yard signs, according to the company. "A reliable, high-speed network is essential for communities to be able to grow and stay connected," Jim Miller, Race Communications vice president of government affairs, said in a statement. The Madera project follows similar expansion efforts in the Valley. Earlier this year, Race announced the completion of the initial phase of its Chowchilla fiber network, bringing more than 4,000 residents and businesses online. The company also recently broke ground on a major deployment in Bakersfield. Company officials said the investment reflects increasing demand for high-capacity broadband infrastructure as more residents and businesses rely on digital connectivity. The company said its fiber network is capable of delivering symmetrical speeds, providing equal upload and download capacity.

Race Communications
Mar 26th, 2026
Race Communications Accelerates Major California Expansion

News Updates Race Communications accelerates major California expansion. March 26 2026 California's leading privately held 100% fiber provider invests over $200M in 25+ markets San Francisco, CA. (March 26, 2026) - Race Communications, California's leading privately held 100% fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) provider, is accelerating a major expansion across key regions of the state including San Joaquin Valley, Sacramento Valley, San Diego County, and Southern California. Backed by an initial planned investment of more than $200 million, without the use of taxpayer dollars, the expansion will bring Race's fiber deployments to more than 25 cities, including Bakersfield, Fresno, Atwater, Merced, Porterville, and Modesto, following recent successful launches in Lancaster, Ridgecrest, Chico, and Palmdale. This expansion underscores the scale and speed of Race's statewide growth. To-date, Race has invested more than $650 million in California's fiber infrastructure with an active presence in over 50 markets. Focused on meeting the needs of Californians, Race is leading telecommunications and the next generation of connectivity across the state. "No other provider is investing at this scale and pace. We have always believed that every Californian deserves access to world-class internet, not the slow, inconsistent service that big telecom has delivered for decades," said Raul Alcaraz, Race Communications founder and CEO. "Our commitment to California is clear, and it's not new. We have been serving Californians since 1994. We're moving aggressively to make these expansions a reality because hundreds of thousands of Californians are done waiting for a better way to connect. And we intend to keep this promise." Race is actively deploying true-fiber infrastructure across targeted markets, bringing ultra-fast 10 gigabit fiber internet to homes and businesses throughout California. Building on its 2025 acquisition of Atherton Fiber, Race has strengthened the company's presence in the Bay Area, accelerating the company's statewide deployment. "Race is California through and through, and we have no plans of slowing down. We understand how important a high-quality online experience is for every city, and we're proud to continue building an infrastructure that truly supports the way Californians live and work," said Alcaraz. Municipalities interested in joining Race's growing California network can learn more at race.com. About Race Communications: Race Communications is a leading provider of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services, committed to delivering reliable, high-speed internet to communities across California. Founded in 1994, Race is dedicated to bridging the digital divide and providing cutting-edge technology. As California's largest privately held 100% FTTH provider, Race has leveraged public grants and private investments totaling more than $650 million. For more information, please visit Race.com or call 877.722.3833.

GlobeNewswire
Mar 26th, 2026
Race Communications accelerates major California expansion.

Race Communications accelerates major California expansion. California's leading privately held 100% fiber provider invests over $200M in 25+ markets. SAN FRANCISCO, March 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - Race Communications, California's leading privately held 100% fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) provider, is accelerating a major expansion across key regions of the state including San Joaquin Valley, Sacramento Valley, San Diego County, and Southern California. Backed by an initial planned investment of more than $200 million, without the use of taxpayer dollars, the expansion will bring Race's fiber deployments to more than 25 cities, including Bakersfield, Fresno, Atwater, Merced, Porterville, and Modesto, following recent successful launches in Lancaster, Ridgecrest, Chico, and Palmdale. "Race is California through and through, and we have no plans of slowing down. We understand how important a high-quality online experience is for every city,..." "No other provider is investing at this scale and pace. We have always believed that every Californian deserves access to world-class internet, not the slow,..." "Our commitment to California is clear, and it's not new. We have been serving Californians since 1994. We're moving aggressively to make these expansions a..." "Race is California through and through, and we have no plans of slowing down. We understand how important a high-quality online experience is for every city,..." "No other provider is investing at this scale and pace. We have always believed that every Californian deserves access to world-class internet, not the slow,..." "Our commitment to California is clear, and it's not new. We have been serving Californians since 1994. We're moving aggressively to make these expansions a..." "Race is California through and through, and we have no plans of slowing down. We understand how important a high-quality online experience is for every city,..." This expansion underscores the scale and speed of Race's statewide growth. To-date, Race has invested more than $650 million in California's fiber infrastructure with an active presence in over 50 markets. Focused on meeting the needs of Californians, Race is leading telecommunications and the next generation of connectivity across the state. "No other provider is investing at this scale and pace. We have always believed that every Californian deserves access to world-class internet, not the slow, inconsistent service that big telecom has delivered for decades," said Raul Alcaraz, Race Communications founder and CEO. "Our commitment to California is clear, and it's not new. We have been serving Californians since 1994. We're moving aggressively to make these expansions a reality because hundreds of thousands of Californians are done waiting for a better way to connect. And we intend to keep this promise." Race is actively deploying true-fiber infrastructure across targeted markets, bringing ultra-fast 10 gigabit fiber internet to homes and businesses throughout California. Building on its 2025 acquisition of Atherton Fiber, Race has strengthened the company's presence in the Bay Area, accelerating the company's statewide deployment. "Race is California through and through, and we have no plans of slowing down. We understand how important a high-quality online experience is for every city, and we're proud to continue building an infrastructure that truly supports the way Californians live and work," said Alcaraz. Municipalities interested in joining Race's growing California network can learn more at Race.com. About Race Communications: Race Communications is a leading provider of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) services, committed to delivering reliable, high-speed internet to communities across California. Founded in 1994, Race is dedicated to bridging the digital divide and providing cutting-edge technology. As California's largest privately held 100% FTTH provider, Race has leveraged public grants and private investments totaling more than $650 million. For more information, please visit Race.com or call 877.722.3833.

PR Newswire
Sep 9th, 2024
Race Communications Announces New Capital Raise to Accelerate California Expansion

/PRNewswire/ -- Race Communications, a leading Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) provider in California, announced today that it has secured more than $500 million in...

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