In recognition that broadband access is critical to the residents of Washington, RCW 43.330.532 established the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) and tasked it with promoting access and achieving download/upload speed goals for residences, businesses and communities.
WSBO’s mission is to enrich the lives of all Washington state residents and businesses by ensuring they have access to affordable, reliable, redundant and scalable/future proof broadband technologies ensuring the economic viability of both urban and rural Washington state today and into the future.
News and updates
WSBO broadband funding
Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program NOFO
NOFO Broadband Digital Navigator Program Grant Funding for Tribes
Broadband Equity Assistive Technology NOFO
Please visit our Internet for All page and for helpful BEAD grant application information.
Success stories
Congratulations to Hood Canal Communications on the ribbon-cutting for the Northern Hood Canal Fiber Extension in Jefferson County.
The project will provide new fiber optic cable to provide fast, reliable internet service to communities that did not have it before.
Commerce’s Washington State Broadband Office provided a $10 million grant towards the estimated $12.6 million project. The project will provide broadband service to 862 homes.
View the ribbon-cutting event.
This award was part of the WSBO’s $30 million last-mile fiber and last-mile wireless grant. Let’s continue to bridge the digital divide and ensure everyone has access to affordable and reliable broadband in Washington.
More broadband funding resources
The Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) and the Public Works Board (PWB) are also dedicated to closing the digital divide. From mapping to planning and construction, we have the resources and technical support to realize the state goal of connecting every household and business.
CERB Rural Broadband (RB)
PWB Broadband Financing
Resources
There is no single “right” answer to how broadband reaches a community. Every community approaches broadband in their own way and at their own pace as resources allow. Here are a few suggested places where you can make local contact to ask about what plans may be in place for your community.
- Contact your local elected officials. Look on your county/city/town website for contact information for commissioners and other elected officials.
- Your community may have a port, and the port may be working on broadband.
- Your community may have a public utility district, and the public utility district may be working on broadband. See if your community has a public utility district.
- The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission may have additional information.