Jefferson County PUD is applying for state funding to expand gigabit fiber connections to businesses in Port Townsend from Fort Worden to Glen Cove.
The funding would allow the PUD to offer fiber symmetrical gig service (1gbps up and down) starting at a cost of $100 per month.* Symmetrical gig service from the PUD would offer the fastest speeds in the county day and night. No more buffering from midday network congestion, and no more teleconferencing lags.
Symmetrical gig service is currently unavailable in Port Townsend except on PUD wholesale networks. Current connections on the PUD network have come at either high construction costs to the business receiving the fiber or to the PUD for installing the fiber. Construction costs for this project would be averaged over the entire area and spread out over 15 years on a 0.42% interest loan from the state Public Works Board. Businesses who wish to sign up for PUD fiber service could either pay the averaged construction cost up front or spread out over a five year period for only $20 more per month.
In order to qualify for the loan, the PUD needs to demonstrate substantive interest from local business. If your business wants the fastest internet upload speeds in the county at a great monthly price, please fill out the survey below as soon as possible and before April 25th. Also consider sending us a signed letter of support via email to broadband@jeffpud.org. If the PUD is successful in its application, connections could begin as early as late 2022.
*Single service units only. Multi-tenant buildings or businesses may incur other or additional costs. Please contact broadband@jeffpud.org for more information.
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