Your PUD
News Release
Over 2,000 end-users now receiving services on Chelan County PUD’s fiber network
Chelan County PUD
News Release
5/2/2005
More than 2,000 end-users now receiving services through authorized service providers over Chelan County PUD’s fiber-optic network. Services include telephone and high-speed Internet, with television planned for 2005.
The fiber network provides vital communications and security links between District facilities and, with the aid of local companies, also delivers services to homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and government offices.
Fourteen local companies, using the District’s fiber network, offer an affordable choice of Internet and telephone services in Chelan County. Under Washington state law public utility districts can build and operate wholesale broadband networks with retail service providers offering services to end-users on the network. This creates a public-private partnership with local businesses and helps ensure the growth of our local economy and technology sector.
"We've started to hit our stride with this fiber build out and it's encouraging to see Chelan County residents increasingly choosing local service providers and their community-owned fiber network. Hitting the 2,000 end-user mark is significant because it confirms the support for the wholesale broadband network, but this is just the start,” said John Smith, Networks director.
The plan is to reach 75 percent of the county by 2008. Total capital spending on the fiber network for 2004 was $8.8 million. Total operating revenues for 2004 were $1.6 million.
Chelan County PUD is building a wholesale fiber-optic network to homes and business in Chelan County. More than 9,000 fiber drops have been constructed to homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and government offices. These residents now have an affordable choice for high-speed Internet and telephone services, with television coming in 2005. All services are offered through the convenience of local service providers. For a complete list of service providers visit www.chelanpud.org/fiber or call 509-661-4151.
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Nena Walton
Communications Specialist – fiber-optic Networks
509.661.4166
nena.walton@chelanpud.org