Kitsap PUD among first providers to sign state broadband contracts

Kitsap Public Utility District is one of seven internet providers that have signed agreements with the Washington State Broadband Office to bring high-speed internet to unserved and underserved communities under the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program, known as BEAD.

Together, the seven agreements represent more than $165 million in federal, state and private BEAD funding and are expected to connect an estimated 121,882 households once construction is complete, according to the Department of Commerce, which houses the broadband office. The state did not break out funding or locations by provider in its announcement.

The signed agreements allow federal environmental and historic preservation reviews and other permitting to begin. After that, crews can extend fiber and other broadband infrastructure to locations that lack reliable high-speed internet. Most locations are expected to be connected within four years of contract signing, in line with federal BEAD deadlines, and the state said many will be connected sooner.

“Broadband isn’t a luxury anymore,” said Jordan Arnold, director of the broadband office. “It’s how kids do homework, how small businesses stay open and how families reach a doctor without driving an hour.”

The other providers in the first group are Broadlinc, Concept Communications, Declaration Networks Group, Hood Canal Communications, the Lummi Indian Business Council and the Spokane Indian Tribe. More agreements are expected; awardees have until Oct. 8 to sign their BEAD contracts.

Project locations are on the state’s BEAD Funding Map.