The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON—At their meeting in February, the Port of Columbia commissioners approved an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) with NoaNet (Northwest Open Access Network) to provide broadband service to the Port office and to Port-owned businesses.

Dickinson said the Port office will be used as a hub for a wireless system that will serve the tenants in the Rock Hill Industrial Park, and, possibly other businesses and residences, at that end of town.

“According to NoaNet wireless system technologies have improved greatly over the last few years, so it’s possible to reach quite a distance from our office,” Dickinson said.

The Port is planning to send Request for Proposals (RFPs) out to internet service providers.

Dickinson said NoaNet is also preparing to apply for federal funds for extending broadband into underserved areas.

The ILA will allow the Port to work with NoaNet on the application process. If successful, the Port will be a subrecipient of a portion of the funds, which can be used to build the fiber-to-the-home system, as laid out in the Port’s broadband study.

In March of 2018, legislation was adopted by the state allowing ports in Washington State the authority to build broadband infrastructure in their jurisdictions.

A broadband survey conducted by the Port in Oct. of 2018 indicated the majority of the community were either unhappy with their current service, or wanted improvements to their existing internet options.

The Port reached out to several internet service providers to gauge interest in providing a broadband feasibility study, and contracted with PocketiNet. Their study was completed in Feb. 2020.

PocketiNet representatives shared findings from the study at a Port meeting in March 2020.

PocketiNet CEO Todd Brandenburg said the need for high-speed internet is high, especially in rural communities where attracting business and providing opportunities to work or learn from home, is essential.

“There is a marketing advantage that allows you to put your name on the map,” Brandenburg said at that meeting.

The goal is that by 2028 all residents and businesses in Washington State should have access to 150 Mbps (Megabits symmetrical, up and down), he said.