HCC Utilizes Public Works Board Funding Brings Broadband to Underserved
The Chamber marked the completion of two Hood Canal Communications‘ Broadband Projects on January 27. HCC, public officials, project crews, and community stakeholders gathered for ribbon cuttings to celebrate.
HCC was awarded a broadband grant in the amount of $410k from the Department of Commerce’s Public Works Board for its “Strong Road Project.” The total project estimate is $513k and will provide broadband services in the previously underserved areas of E Strong Road, E Vineyard Dr, E Osprey Ln, E Angel Way, and E Sonja Ln.
The project will serve approximately 69 homes, which currently do not have access to broadband speeds above 15 Mbps (megabits per second), with Fiber to the Home capable of offering broadband speeds up to 10,000 Mbps synchronous. The 10 Gigabit Symmetrical Passive Optical Network (XGS-PON) will serve the current and future needs of the area providing high speed internet, phone, and TV service. This infrastructure project will result in increased connectivity for rural Mason County residents, increased value of connected parcels, and support economic development through construction jobs and business tax revenue.
HCC was awarded a broadband grant in the amount of $196k from the Department of Commerce’s Public Works Board. The total project estimate is $245k and will provide broadband services in the previously underserved areas of W Old Olympic Hwy, Partridge Dr NW, and W D R Wood Way.
The project will serve approximately 35 homes and 1 business, which currently are underserved, with Fiber to the Home capable of offering broadband speeds up to 10,000 Mbps synchronous. The 10 Gigabit Symmetrical Passive Optical Network (XGS-PON) will serve the current and future needs of the area providing high speed internet, phone, and TV service. This infrastructure project will result in increased connectivity for rural Mason County residents, increased value of connected parcels, and support economic development through construction jobs and business tax revenue.
High speed internet service, once considered a luxury, is now recognized as a necessity. Digital inequality is an issue facing the more rural areas of Mason County. With the assistance of grant programs for projects like the Mason County Line Broadband Expansion Project, Hood Canal Communications can reduce digital inequality. High speed internet service also helps the business community to stay competitive while retaining their local presence and work force.
According to Mike Oblizalo, General Manager and Vice President, the company is extremely grateful for the partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce’s Public Works Board for this infrastructure investment in Mason County.
The grant applications and both projects garnered support of business, home, and property owners in the affected areas.
Hood Canal Communications is a local communications service provider with approximately 8,500 residential and business customers in Mason County. With offices located in Union and Shelton, the company has been serving Mason County since 1934.
Hood Canal Communications is a local communications service provider with approximately 8,500 residential and business customers in Mason County. With offices located in Union and Shelton, the company has been serving Mason County since 1934.
