Ultra High-Speed Broadband
Frequently Asked Questions
Team Jefferson and thirty local public agencies worked together for the common goal to provide ultra fast fiber and wireless infrastructure throughout Jefferson County. The funding, awarded August 18, 2010 by the Department of Commerce, will connect local “anchor institutions” including public libraries, schools and learning institutions, cultural and community centers, emergency services, key medical centers, and government facilities. As the fiber and wireless become available to public anchors then Phase 2 can focus on expanding service to improve commercial and residential broadband capability."
What’s happening with ultra high-speed broadband in Jefferson County?
• $3.2 million is being invested from federal stimulus money to bring ultra high-speed broadband to East Jefferson County – from Brinnon to Port Townsend.
• Ultra high-speed broadband is 20-60 times faster than what we have now; in fact this will be much better than in many urban cities.
Who made it all happen?
• Team Jefferson, in partnership with the City of Port Townsend, Jefferson County and the Port of Port Townsend, convened and led a coalition of thirty organizations from throughout Jefferson County including schools, utilities, healthcare agencies, libraries, and non-profit organization.
• Northwest Open Access Network, Inc. (NoaNet) formed a decade ago, by 12 public utility districts including Jefferson PUD #1, to bring broadband to rural areas. They offer services to retail carriers, cable companies and ISPs. The funds coming to Jefferson County through NoaNet will be used to expand their wholesale network as well as adding additional capacity to their existing network.
• Importantly, Jeffcom911 Communications’ investment to improve emergency services communication was underway and could be used to meet the requirements of the County’s grant.
When is this happening?
• Ultra high-speed broadband will be coming to the “ anchor institutions” no later than 2012.
• Rollout of service to individuals and businesses will begin not later than 2013.
Why is this a big deal?
• This is a once-in-a-generation infrastructure investment, laying an invaluable foundation for the community to build upon. This is the largest federal investment in rural areas since the interstate highways in the l950s and Bonneville Power in the l930s..
• East Jefferson County will leapfrog many U.S. communities in terms of the speed of their internet connection.
• Institutions, businesses and individuals will be able to create and innovate in ways we can barely begin to imagine today.
How will it affect me?
• Phase 1: In one to two years, the anchor institutions will be able to offer new programs and improve efficiency.
• Phase 2: In two to three years, private ISPs will begin to offer ultra high-speed broadband capabilities to individuals and businesses.
• In addition to boosting speeds on wired connections, wireless will be more readily available and much faster.
• rural access to ultra high-speed broadband will give East Jefferson County an entirely new way to grow and support jobs.
Quick summary of ultra high-speed broadband and its implications for the future
In the same way that the transition from dial-up to broadband made possible the emergence of online video and countless other applications, ultra high-speed bandwidth will drive more innovation – in high-definition video, remote data storage, real-time multimedia collaboration, and others that we cannot yet imagine. It will enable new consumer applications, as well as medical, educational, and other services that can benefit communities. If the Internet has taught us anything, it's that the most important innovations are often those we least expect.
Updated: 8.22.2010
For more information contact:
L. Katherine Baril kbaril@wsu.edu