PUD Fiber Internet – Registration-to-Installation

Optical fiber is a hair‐thin strand of glass that uses light instead of radio waves to carry a signal. Optical fiber can carry high bandwidth signals over long distances with minimal to no signal loss, and it can provide those signals simultaneously in both directions. Optical fiber can carry a signal at speeds exceeding 100 Terabits per second over 1000 kilometers. The limiting factor to the speed of the transmission is generally the equipment at each end. The PUD will deploy an XGS PON (passive optical network) equipment in the project areas. This technology has the capacity to provide up to 10 Gigabit per second speeds both up and down to any home or business in the network.

DSL uses copper lines to deliver internet service over the same network as traditional telephone service. While DSL is theoretically capable of delivering speeds that meet some definitions of broadband (25/3 Mbps), in Jefferson County, the average DSL customers struggles to get internet speeds of 10Mbps down 1Mbps up. Most DSL customers in our county have no other option for wired internet service and struggle to participate in online meetings where higher upload speeds are required.

CABLE internet is delivered over the same copper based coaxial cable that provides cable TV. While cable internet can provide speeds up to 500Mbps down and 20Mbps up, cable internet services are built in what are known as “oversubscription models,” meaning the bandwidth of the signal is split between many customers at the same time. If too many use the service at the same time, the networks become congested, and available speeds per user are greatly reduced. Also, cable networks are designed for television and streaming downloads. Upload speeds over cable are significantly reduced, which when coupled with network congestion, can lead to difficulties participating in 2-way video technologies, such as online meetings, remote learning, telemedicine, or video calls with family during the holidays.

FIBER internet delivers incredibly high speeds both up and down and is the ideal choice for unimpeded access to all of the benefits of both today’s and tomorrow’s internet service. By installing a fiber to the home or business network, the PUD will provide eligible customers with the best possible internet service for many years to come.

The COVID-19 pandemic made it clear that access to broadband internet is essential. But in rural, geographically isolated Jefferson County, quality high-speed internet was only available in a handful of more densely populated areas. Residents outside of these few areas lacked access to internet that allows them to participate successfully in online meetings, remote schooling, and telemedicine. Some lacked access to any internet at all or tried to make do with expensive and less reliable satellite or cellular connections.

In order to facilitate access to high-speed, reliable, and affordable broadband internet for all residents in Eastern Jefferson County, the PUD has applied for and received multiple state and federal grants and loans. View the project areas below the FAQs to learn more about where the PUD is building fiber and providing service in the next few years.

In 2021, the Washington State Legislature passed laws that allowed PUDs to sell RETAIL internet service providers. Previously, PUDs could only sell WHOLESALE access, meaning they could build the fiber to the property, but another business had to come in and turn the internet on and send the bill and collect the payment. RETAIL means PUDs can build a fiber to a home or business and provide the internet service directly to the customer, the same way that it does for water and electric service. Providing RETAIL service means that customers will be guaranteed an affordable, reliable, high-speed service. It also greatly improves the PUD’s ability to recover the costs of building new fiber, especially in rural areas.

Open access is the term used to describe a network where more than one internet service provider (ISP) can provide service to the end-user. The open access model provides customers with qualified choices for their internet service with the goal of eliminating the costs of duplicative infrastructure. The open access model often provides a more competitive marketplace and often improved services and pricing for customers.

Please note: During the fiber installation process (more here), PUD technicians will complete the install of fiber from the exterior box to the inside of the home and ensure the connection is active. Your selected ISP will assist with the WiFi router connection.

Because the public owns our network, PUD fiber is available for use by any business (internet service provider or ISP) willing to meet the standards set by our elected commission. These standards ensure high quality, safe service for our citizens, and it provides more service choices for our customers. Contact qualified providers about products and services provided over the JPUD network.

Qualified ISPs are required to provide customers access to a support number that is available 24/7, 365. The ISP will handle any service issue or enlist the PUD if fiber or equipment is damaged.

As part of PUD service, a designated PUD WiFi router is always provided. With our Qualified ISPs, you can supply your own or explore their recommended options.

No matter who provides your monthly internet service over PUD fiber, data caps are not allowed. Use as much monthly data as needed without fear of penalties or upcharges.

The best way to learn more about the PUD’s fiber internet expansion plans is to email specific questions to broadband@jeffpud.org. Our broadband team will respond within 3 business days.

You can contact the PUD Broadband team by calling: (360) 385-5800.