PUD awarded $11M in Broadband Grants
In December and January, the PUD was awarded two grants totaling around 11 million dollars to build broadband connections to hundreds of homes lacking access to internet speeds of 25mbps down and 3mbps up over a wired line.
WHERE IS THE FIBER GOING?
The first grant, from WA State’s Public Works Board, pays for the construction of fiber optic cable to 70 homes near Hwy 20 btwn Four Corners Road & Sunset Lake Rd and along Anderson Lake Rd.
The second grant, from the WA State Broadband Office, connects 650 homes in 3 zones: Between Cape George Rd along Discovery Bay up to Middlepoint Rd; in the Woodland Hills community between Hwy 19 and Kala Point; and on Marrowstone Island.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Residents in the project areas who agree to have fiber installed to their homes will not pay for any of the construction costs to connect. Monthly service from the PUD will begin at $65 for 100/100mbps. Gig and better speeds will be available. Discounts for customers enrolled in our Low Income program will apply. Other internet providers may also be available, and will offer their own package pricing. The PUD is building an open access network.
HOW DO YOU SIGN UP FOR PUD FIBER?
The PUD is working on finalizing agreements with the state now. In April or May the PUD will open enrollment for service for eligible homes in the project areas. Enrollment will only be open for a limited time. Homes that do not sign up for fiber installation during the enrollment period will likely have to pay construction costs if they elect to connect to fiber at a later date.
WHEN WILL I GET PUD FIBER?
The PUD will begin installing fiber in the second half of this year. We are currently ordering materials and finalizing our workplan. Because of supply chain issues and contractor availability, it will likely be late 2022 or early 2023 before work is complete.
WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF US?
We’re also applying for funding to build fiber from Quilcene to Gardiner, and from Chimacum to Coyle. Our first goal is to connect residents without access to 25/3 service. However, grant rules are changing and future opportunities may arise for areas that have higher speeds, but do not have fiber.
Learn More! Visit our Broadband Project Area Hubpage