Lightcurve, a telecommunications provider with deep regional roots, is bringing high-speed fiber-optic internet and voice services to Centralia and Chehalis in Lewis County. The expansion, led by CEO Anand Vadapalli, promises to transform how residents, businesses, and students connect to the world.
Building on a Legacy of Local Service in Lewis County
Lightcurve’s expansion in Lewis County builds on decades of community connection. While its history as Rainier Connect is familiar to many, the company’s legacy stretches even further. “It’s actually our operations in Ellensburg and Yelm that both have a 100+ year history of serving those communities. And, as Rainier Connect, we also have a long history of serving the South Sound,” Vadapalli said.
That heritage, he noted, directly shapes Lightcurve’s culture today. “We’re proud of this heritage. Our people live and work in the communities we serve, and this local service is a bedrock value for Lightcurve.”
For Centralia and Chehalis, this means Lightcurve’s investments are not just about infrastructure but about continuing a long-standing commitment to the region.
Why Centralia and Chehalis Are Fiber Priorities
Residents of Centralia and Chehalis have seen Rainier Connect serve businesses for more than a decade. With new investment, the company is now bringing high-speed fiber internet directly into homes. “We know and love these communities,” Vadapalli said. “So, with the new ownership, when we had the opportunity to invest, extending our fiber internet to residential customers was a very natural decision.”
This expansion complements recent projects in Ellensburg and Selah. Lightcurve’s goal is to continue broadening access, guided by local engagement. “Selection of specific areas is guided by a variety of factors,” Vadapalli explained. “We are always looking for additional communities to extend our fiber footprint, and we welcome engagement from communities in this regard.”
The Benefits of Fiber Internet for Homes and Businesses
For households and small businesses in Lewis County, fiber internet promises a dramatic upgrade. “Fiber is the gold standard for any internet connection. No other technology comes close to the internet speeds that can be offered on fiber,” Vadapalli emphasized.
Unlike other services, fiber provides “symmetric” speeds. “At all internet speeds, fiber offers ‘symmetric’ speeds, meaning your download speeds will be the same as your upload speeds,” he explained. “Whether it’s a company accessing their business applications in the cloud or a residential customer doing a telehealth consultation, upload speeds are critical. And, finally, fiber provides the most reliable connectivity.”
Beyond convenience, Vadapalli sees fiber as a foundation for stronger communities. “I have a strong conviction that fiber internet is transformative to a community,” he said. “From enabling kids to access instruction at home, telehealth, work from home opportunities, businesses connecting reliably to cloud services, and reliable and high-speed fiber internet are foundational.”
Community Partnerships and Economic Growth in Centralia and Chehalis
Lightcurve’s approach to expansion goes beyond technology. The company is actively working with local organizations to ensure the benefits reach as many residents as possible.
“Lightcurve has a long history of being active members of the community, including our participation with the Chamber and the Lewis County Boys and Girls Club,” Vadapalli said. “We look to these partnerships to find ways to engage with our communities, seek feedback on where we next expand our footprint and look at ways to get the word out about our services.”
He also sees faster internet as a driver of economic development. “Communities can use the presence of fiber internet as a selling point to attract businesses and people to live and work there,” Vadapalli noted. “As a local provider, Lightcurve is very willing to partner with local businesses and developers to extend our footprint to where development is being planned. Fiber internet also allows folks to live in great communities like Centralia and Chehalis and work for companies anywhere in the world!”
Community integration is central to Lightcurve’s mission. “Absolutely critical,” Vadapalli said. “This goes back to our heritage in Washington State. Community engagement is not lip service for us. We believe in being a part of the communities we serve, because it is so personally important to the people at Lightcurve. Our people volunteer their time because they truly care!”
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Broader Expansion
While Centralia and Chehalis are current priorities, Lightcurve’s long-term plan reaches further. “For sure, this is a key element of our business plan,” Vadapalli said. “We are actively looking at build areas for 2026 and 2027 and beyond. We believe there’s a significant opportunity in Washington state to extend our fiber footprint.”
Lightcurve’s expansion of fiber internet and voice services represents more than faster connections. For residents and businesses in Centralia, Chehalis, and across Lewis County, it offers new opportunities for growth, learning, and community connection.
For more information about Lightcurve’s fiber services, visit their website.
