Submitted by Lewis County PUD
Lewis County PUD has begun a planning process to help determine the future of broadband access, including high-speed Internet and related telecommunications. As part of this planning effort, the PUD is launching a community-wide survey to gather customer feedback regarding availability of and interest in high-speed Internet.
“As a resident of the south Chehalis area, I know firsthand that high-speed Internet access is a struggle for our community. The PUD is developing a strategy to expand its broadband network to areas of high need. This survey gives us the vital data needed to inform our efforts,” said Ben Kostick, District 1 Commissioner of Lewis County PUD.
It is a common misconception that the PUD can provide direct Internet connectivity to homes and businesses. Current Washington State law restricts most public utility districts from providing retail telecommunications services. Instead, Lewis County PUD provides what is known as “dark fiber,” or fiber optic cable that is leased to other government agencies to connect public facilities, or by a licensed retail telecommunications provider who sells internet, phone, and television services to households and businesses.
“Our world is becoming ever more digital, and the COVID-19 pandemic has shined a spotlight on the growing digital divide. It is critical for students, businesses, and communities to have access to high quality, affordable Internet. Providing broadband to rural communities is a challenge due to the lack of fiber infrastructure and low population densities. This survey will give us the hard data needed to apply for grants and prioritize expansion,” said Chris Roden, General Manager of Lewis County PUD.
The survey is being administered by Northwest Open Access Network (NoaNet), Washington State’s leading non-profit wholesale broadband and telecom solutions provider. The survey will not be used for commercial purposes.
“NoaNet is excited to work with Lewis County PUD on this planning effort. The survey is the first phase of the planning process, and will allow Lewis County PUD to gain a better understanding of the areas that are well-served and those that are under-served,” said Chris Walker, Telecommunications Director for NoaNet.
In partnership with its own Energy Services department, the PUD is giving away a three-pack of energy-efficient LED light bulbs to the first 3,000 households that complete the survey.
The survey will be open to all Lewis County PUD customers from May 7 through at least June 15, 2020. For information about Lewis County PUD’s broadband infrastructure and to take the survey, customers should visit the Lewis County PUD website at www.lcpud.org/broadband. Customers without internet access can take the survey by phone, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., by dialing 360-602-1522.
About Lewis County PUD
Lewis County PUD is a community-owned, locally governed utility providing power services and telecommunications infrastructure to approximately 33,000 customers throughout most of Lewis County and adjacent communities.
About Northwest Open Access Network (NoaNet)
Northwest Open Access Network (NoaNet) is a wholesale-only telecommunications provider. NoaNet was formed in 2000 as a non-profit corporation by several public utility districts in Washington State in order to provide access to high-speed broadband statewide. NoaNet currently offers fiber-related services and operates a fiber ring spanning thousands of miles throughout the State of Washington allowing the forming PUDs, but also private providers and municipalities, to serve areas where high-speed broadband was often not previously available.
