The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that access to broadband is essential. But in rural, geographically isolated Jefferson County, broadband internet is only available in a handful of areas. As the first step in a plan to increase broadband access to all under and unserved residents in Eastern Jefferson County, Jefferson PUD has received grant funding from the State of Washington Broadband Office (WSBO) from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to build out a fiber network to the communities of Quilcene, Discovery Bay, Gardiner, and portions of Chimacum.
Jefferson County PUD laid the groundwork for this project in 2020 by leasing access to the Bonneville Power Authority’s fiber trunk line running from Olympia to Port Angeles along the eastern flank of the Olympic National Park and Forest. The $12.6M in funding will help the PUD connect the BPA fiber to over 1600 homes and businesses in the project area. Construction could begin as early as fall 2023.
PUD fiber will offer minimum speeds of 100mbps upload and download, with gig or higher speeds also available. Fiber also means almost zero lag or latency in service, unlike satellite. Monthly cost for service is likely to begin at $65/mo before taxes. Low-income rates will be available. Voice over internet phone service will also be available. Although the PUD plans to be an internet service provider for connections built in this area, PUD fiber is “open access.” That means connected residents will have the option to choose a different service provider if available.