2024 Legislative Report — Washington State Broadband Office (May 2025)
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Summary
The Washington State Broadband Office 2024 Legislative Report, a biennial report to the Legislature under RCW 43.330.538, dated May 2025 and issued through the Washington State Department of Commerce. The report states that BEAD construction maps show 215,755 Broadband Service Locations without service, including 154,061 unserved and 61,694 underserved locations, and 2,335,650 served locations. It restates the state speed goals in RCW 43.330.556 and describes the office's initiatives, anchor institution service for K-12 schools and the broadband action team program. The report closes with award tables, including FY23 Public Works Board broadband awards totaling $1,812,041.00 and FY24 awards totaling $23,818,347.83.
Summary drafted by a model from the document's text below and checked by script against that text before publication. It is a navigation aid, not a reading of what the document proves. Where AI is used
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“2024 Legislative Report — Washington State Broadband Office (May 2025).”
Original at app.leg.wa.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/2025-commercereports-lgd-sbo-2024-biennial-report-final-1566c577-eddd-4a90/
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Washington State
Broadband Office
2024 Legislative Report
Biennial report per RCW 43.330.538
May 2025
Report to the Legislature
WASHINGTON STATE
BROADBAND OFFICE Director Joe Nguyễn
v3.5.1
Acknowledgments Crystal Schoelkopf, Administrative Assistant 3
Washington State Department of Commerce Aaron Wheeler, Director
Mark K. Barkley, Assistant Director, Aaron.Wheeler@commerce.wa.gov
Local Government Division Phone: 360-725-2972
Dave Pringle, Director, 1011 Plum St. SE
Government Affairs and Policy P.O. Box 42525
Olympia, WA 98504-2525
Buck Lucas, Manager, Policy and Communications
www.commerce.wa.gov
Aaron Wheeler, Director,
For people with disabilities, this report is available on
Washington State Broadband Office
request in other formats. To submit a request, please
call 7-1-1 and ask to be connected to 360-725-4000.
Washington State Broadband Office
Erika Henry, Deputy Director
Devin Proctor, Manager, Policy and
Communications
Connie Rivera, Manager, Broadband Infrastructure
Programs
Jason Freeze, Manager, Broadband Infrastructure
Programs
Sam Ross, Specialist, Broadband Infrastructure
Programs
Nick Zehrung, Specialist, Broadband Infrastructure
Programs
Lisa Heaton, Unit Manager, Broadband Equity Unit
Sarah Clark, Contracts and Operations Manager,
Broadband Equity Unit
Jonas Greene, Tribal Outreach and Engagement
Manager, Broadband Equity Unit
Mary Harding, Cybersecurity Literacy Program
Manager, Broadband Equity Unit
Nick Davis, Broadband Digital Navigator Program
Manager, Broadband Equity Unit
Brittany Pouley, Data Manager, Broadband Equity
Unit
WASHINGTON STATE BROADBAND OFFICE 2024 LEGISLATIVE REPORT 2
Table of contents
Executive summary...................................................................................................................................... 4
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 6
Section 1. An analysis of the current availability and use of broadband ......................................................... 8
Section 2. Anchor institution broadband speed and capacity ........................................................................ 8
Section 3. An overview of the incumbent broadband infrastructure within the state ...................................... 9
Section 4. Coordinating broadband infrastructure development .................................................................. 11
Section 5. Suggested policies, incentives, and legislation to accelerate the achievement of RCW 43.330.536
goals ......................................................................................................................................................... 13
Section 6. Proposed legislative and policy initiatives .................................................................................. 14
Section 7. Retail telecommunications services provided by public utility and port districts .......................... 14
Section 8. Broadband equity ...................................................................................................................... 16
Appendix A: WSBO ARPA Capital Program Awards ..................................................................................... 19
Appendix B: PWB Program Awards 2022-24............................................................................................... 20
WASHINGTON STATE BROADBAND OFFICE 2024 LEGISLATIVE REPORT 3
Executive summary
Overview
Only with equal access to quality, affordable broadband, can Washington continue to build an equitable
economic recovery that strengthens every community throughout the state. Universal broadband infrastructure
allows Washington communities and individuals to continue to:
Attract global investments
Encourage innovation and research
Support strong economic performance and long-term prosperity
Meet the daily demands of modern society
In an effort to assess the state of broadband service in Washington, the Washington State Broadband Office
(WSBO) has a Broadband Service Comparison Map. You can view the map online. The map, part of our Digital
Equity Dashboard, provides details that allow the state, local communities and interested providers to identify
potential areas of need and to determine the best fit for funding opportunities and technologies. The WSBO is
adding information that will be useful in expanding broadband across the state. This information includes
public/state assets, provider infrastructure, federal and state funds awarded by census block, federal
infrastructure and detailed demographic data. Centralizing this data and making it public empowers
communities to be engaged and informed. Broadband Action Teams at the community level use this data to
focus their decision-making and priorities; these discussions must be community conversations unique to
each region.
Key findings
The WSBO has baseline information to identify and quantify need; we are building partnerships and making
use of federal, local and private funding to overcome the barriers that have prevented access to and adoption
of high-speed broadband services.
Our current BEAD construction maps show that Washington has a total of 215,755 Broadband Service
Locations (BSLs) that are without service. That includes a total of 154,061 unserved and 61,694 underserved
locations. BEAD defines unserved as having service with speeds below 25 megabits per second (Mbps) for
downloads and 3 Mbps for uploads. Underserved locations do not have speeds of at least 100 Mpbs for
downloads and 20 Mbps upload. The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that broadband standards, locally and
nationally, were not created to meet our state's current demands. Our new normal — where a home serves as
medical office, classroom, workplace, hub of commerce and entertainment center — means we must address
these deficiencies. There are three primary network deficiency types:
Bandwidth demands exceed network design and scalability
Currently deployed technology is incapable of scaling to universally meet state speed goals
Incomplete residential and business access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service
Each of these situations requires a significant capital investment to correct.
WASHINGTON STATE BROADBAND OFFICE 2024 LEGISLATIVE REPORT 4
WSBO initiatives
To meet Washington's 2024-2028 broadband goals, substantial federal funding, future-proof infrastructure,
effective last mile 1 solutions, and community leadership supporting digital equity and inclusion are required.
Below are the WSBO initiatives to accomplish these goals.
Foster broadband collaboration to increase project planning
Host twice monthly Office Hours meetings to share important BEAD application information.
Host monthly tribal office hours to connect with tribes across the state and support their efforts to bring
broadband to their tribal lands.
These meetings are an important piece of our efforts to build strong relationships across the state.
Continue building on the success of the Digital Equity Dashboard
Continue to build on county mapping efforts with a Digital Equity Dashboard that gives local partners the
information they need to guide local decisions.
Maximize equitable access to all funding opportunities
Partner with tribes to identify funding priorities and share information on grant and technical assistance
opportunities
Administer state funding to assist local partners in securing federal funds and sharing technical assistance
opportunities
Administer federal funding received by the state
Promote community engagement to incorporate individuals who represent voices from diverse socio-
demographic and geographic locations across the state
Ensure scalable, sustainable, future-proof networks
Collaborate with communities and providers to identify an ongoing state funding mechanism for
infrastructure and services in high-cost areas to ensure the sustainability of last-mile delivery.
Support digital equity and inclusion initiatives
Participate in digital equity and inclusion initiatives with state partners
Administer pass-through funding to partners who can build the capacity of community-based organizations
and develop a robust cohort of digital navigators
Require recipients of state infrastructure funding to demonstrate they have available affordable, low-
income service options
Support legislative efforts to identify an ongoing state funding mechanism to subsidize affordability
programs, devices and digital literacy skills training
1 Chapter 237, Laws of 2022 defines last mile infrastructure as "… broadband infrastructure that serves as the final connection from a
broadband service provider's network to the end-use customer's on-premises telecommunications equipment."
WASHINGTON STATE BROADBAND OFFICE 2024 LEGISLATIVE REPORT 5
Introduction
Background
Established in 2019 under RCW 43.330.530, the Governor's Statewide Broadband Office (WSBO) is housed in
the Department of Commerce. RCW 43.330.556 , established before BEAD and recent national speed goal
updates from the FCC, outlines WSBO's current speed goals for Washington state communities:
(1) By 2024, all Washington businesses and residences have access to high-speed broadband that
provides minimum download speeds of at least twenty-five megabits per second and minimum upload
speeds of at least three megabits per second;
(2) By 2026, all Washington communities have access to at least one gigabit per second symmetrical
broadband service at anchor institutions like schools, hospitals, libraries, and government buildings; and
(3) By 2028, all Washington businesses and residences have access to at least one provider of broadband
with download speeds of at least one hundred fifty megabits per second and upload speeds of at least
one hundred fifty megabits per second.
We have built and continue to expand key partnerships, helped launch projects and, most importantly,
established a foundation to launch the BEAD's $1.2 billion in funding, including $280 million in proposed state
match funds for public entities and tribes.
RCW 43.330.538 requires a biennial report on the activities of the WSBO:
Broadband office—Reports.
(1)(a) Beginning January 1, 2021, and biennially thereafter, the office shall report to the legislative
committees with jurisdiction over broadband policy and finance on the office's activities during the
previous two years.
(b) The report must, at a minimum, contain:
(i) An analysis of the current availability and use of broadband, including average broadband speeds,
within the state;
(ii) Information gathered from schools, libraries, hospitals, and public safety facilities across the state,
determining the actual speed and capacity of broadband currently in use and the need, if any, for increases
in speed and capacity to meet current or anticipated needs;
(iii) An overview of incumbent broadband infrastructure within the state;
(iv) A summary of the office's activities in coordinating broadband infrastructure development with the
department of transportation and the public works board, including a summary of funds awarded under
RCW 43.155.160;
(v) Suggested policies, incentives, and legislation designed to accelerate the achievement of the goals
under RCW 43.330.536; and
(vi) Any proposed legislative and policy initiatives.
WASHINGTON STATE BROADBAND OFFICE 2024 LEGISLATIVE REPORT 6
(2)(a) By December 31, 2022, the office must submit a report to the governor and the appropriate
committees of the legislature regarding the provision of retail telecommunications services to unserved
areas by public utility districts and port districts as provided in RCW * 54.16.330(10) and 53.08.370(10).
(b) The report must, at a minimum, contain:
(i) The number of public utility districts and port districts providing retail telecommunications services in
an unserved area authorized in RCW * 54.16.330(10) and 53.08.370(10); and
(ii) Any recommendations to improve the provision of retail telecommunications services in unserved
areas.
[ 2021 c 293 s 4; 2021 c 258 s 4; 2019 c 365 s 6.]
Report sections
RCW 43.330.538 requires a biennial report on the activities of the WSBO to include:
An analysis of the current availability and use of broadband (Section 1)
Information on service delivery to anchor institutions (Section 2)
An overview of the incumbent broadband infrastructure within the state (Section 3)
Coordination and funding efforts of broadband funding agencies (Section 4)
Suggestions related to legislation to facilitate the achievement of state broadband goals (Sections 5 and 6)
The status of retail communications service provided by public utility and port districts (Section 7)
WSBO staffing updates
Every successful state agency requires a collection of skilled and dedicated staff. Since our last reporting
period, the WSBO has added additional members to our team to enhance WSBO's capabilities further:
Sam Ross, broadband infrastructure specialist
Nick Zehrung, broadband infrastructure specialist
Lisa Heaton, manager, Broadband Equity
Sarah Clark, contracts and operations manager, Broadband Equity
Mary Harding, program manager, Cybersecurity Literacy Program
Nick Davis, program manager, Broadband Digital Navigator Program
Brittany Pouley, data manager, Broadband Equity
Jonas Greene, tribal outreach and engagement manager, Broadband Equity
Crystal Schoelkopf, administrative assistant
Devin Proctor, manager, Policy and Communications
WASHINGTON STATE BROADBAND OFFICE 2024 LEGISLATIVE REPORT 7
Section 1. An analysis of the current availability and use
of broadband
Figure 1: WSBO BEAD Construction Map Web Page
Our BEAD construction maps show that Washington has 215,755 Broadband Service Locations (BSLs) without
service. That includes 154,061 unserved and 61,694 underserved. BEAD defines unserved as having service
with speeds below 25 megabits per second Mbps for downloads and 3 Mbps for uploads. Underserved
locations do not have speeds of at least 100 Mbps for downloads and 20 Mbps for uploads.
Our maps show 2,335,650 served BSLs in the state.
Section 2. Anchor institution broadband speed and
capacity
Community Anchor Institutions (CAI) are institutions – such as schools, libraries, or hospitals – that play a vital
role in their communities. CAIs need access to reliable, high-speed internet and other advanced
communication technologies to help bridge the digital divide throughout Washington.
What are Community Anchor Institutions?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) defines Community Anchor Institutions (CAI) as schools,
libraries, medical and healthcare providers, public safety entities, community colleges, and other institutions of
higher education, and other community support organizations and agencies that provide outreach, access,
equipment, and support services to facilitate greater use of broadband service by vulnerable populations,
including low-income, the unemployed, and the aged.
WSBO's Digital Equity Dashboard has a CAI map that highlights their locations across the state. The Service
Comparison Map allows viewers to further research service levels across the state along with CAI overlays.
K-12 schools are primed to meet the 2026 state goals for anchor institutions. At the time of this report's
writing, there was only one school district, Roosevelt, receiving service at less than 1 Gbps or greater
symmetrical service. OSPI was in the contracting stage to bring the district up to a 1 Gbps service level. It is
WASHINGTON STATE BROADBAND OFFICE 2024 LEGISLATIVE REPORT 8
important to note that in our 2022 report OSPI identified 33 school districts that had less than 1 Gbps service.
Significant progress has been made in the past couple years to close the digital divide for these districts.
The K-20 Education Network's speed tracking page lists participating school districts and their network
speeds.
While this data does not reflect connection speeds to each individual school, it is evidence of area service
levels. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction is monitoring network speeds for each individual
school toward the 2026 goal - that data is not yet publicly available.
Through a collaboration with WSBO in 2022 and 2023, OSPI’s Educational Technology Department was able to
allocate $3 million to 58 districts across Washington state to support Digital Equity and Inclusionary (DEI)
initiatives. This funding supported ongoing DEI work by building on existing frameworks and OSPI
programming to support schools access to broadband. For complete details, read OSPI's handout about this
critical program.
Section 3. An overview of the incumbent broadband
infrastructure within the state
Broadband stakeholder collaboration
Figure 2. Broadband action team
locations.
Broadband action team (BAT) program development
The BAT model was founded by Washington State University Extension (Extension). During this reporting
period, WSBO and Extension continued to partner to formalize and expand the use of the Extension BAT model
across the state as a best practice for local community broadband engagement. Collaborators included
Stevens County-Spokane Tribe BAT, and Washington State Library, which is a department of the Secretary of
State. The Public Works Board (PWB) and the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) also provided
input.
WASHINGTON STATE BROADBAND OFFICE 2024 LEGISLATIVE REPORT 9
BAT leadership directives
Assist tribes and communities in taking specific, efficient actions to leverage time, resources and funding
to achieve identified broadband goals.
Create a central hub and point of contact for information and support.
Receive the maximum amount of infrastructure funding available to the state by identifying shovel-
ready/application-ready projects.
Expand resources and share community leadership and services facilitated by Washington State Libraries
and Extension offices.
Benefits of BAT-facilitated local collaboration
Centralize the conversation so their BAT participants have one know group to share and discuss their
concerns
Broadband equity and inclusion efforts
Connect participants to allow more collaboration on their shared broadband goals
Early awareness and connection of projects to funding opportunities
Direct connection to, and communication with, the WSBO
Develop relationships with providers to support solutions and mitigate duplication of effort
Community and anchor institution relationships established early in preparation for funding applications
Statewide best practice and knowledge sharing
Expose barriers to access and adoption
Promote awareness of broadband survey/utilize survey resources and results
Funding application best practice and debriefs
Broadband action team participants
Elected officials and staff from local, city, county, state, and federal governments
Tribal representatives
Health care — hospitals, clinics, community
Education — K-12, higher education, technical training, etc.
Libraries
Businesses — retail, farms, manufacturing, real estate, IT, etc.
Workforce development
Economic development
Internet service providers
Nonprofits
Planning organizations
Public safety/emergency management
Social services
Faith-based organizations
Chambers of commerce
Transportation planners
Arts and culture
Funding entities
Grant writing
Other community organizations
Community members — civic leaders, youth, senior citizens
WASHINGTON STATE BROADBAND OFFICE 2024 LEGISLATIVE REPORT 10
Provide resources to communities to facilitate broadband
infrastructure development
Grant writing assistance
The WSBO provided $1.5 million in funding in summer 2025 to public entities and tribes to begin their planning
and engineering as they work to write their application for BEAD funding. The Washington Association of
Counties managed the grant application process for local governments. WSBO awarded funds directly to
tribes.
Section 4. Coordinating broadband infrastructure
development
WSBO participates in Sync
Sync is Washington’s Infrastructure System Improvement team and a collaborative partnership among the
Public Works Board (PWB), the departments of Commerce, Ecology, Health, and Transportation (WSDOT), and
the Transportation Improvement Board. It formed to meet the objectives of RCW 43.155.150 and Sync later
expanded to include broadband infrastructure. To support the broadband focus of Sync, the WSBO:
Engaged in monthly Sync meetings and discussed infrastructure resiliency and sustainability.
Shared funding data to outline the state picture of overall infrastructure investment.
WSBO activities with WSDOT, USDA, PWB and CERB
Manage a shared broadband webpage: Broadband Resources and Funding
Participated in bi-weekly collaboration meetings with PWB and CERB to discuss best practices, coordinate
outreach and funding efforts, partner on presentations to key stakeholders, etc.
Engaged in monthly meetings with WSDOT to discuss right-of-way access and permitting, dig-once
opportunities, conduit placement and usage, etc.
Engaged in regular meetings with USDA to share updates on grants awarded through USDA's Rural Utilities
Service program and WSBO.
We will also partner to develop future opportunities as funding becomes available.
Ongoing collaboration with WSDOT
As WSDOT continues to enact the dig-once law in Chapter 258, Laws of 2021, there is a clear need for
coordination with the WSBO. The law elevates the dig-once concept and authorizes WSDOT to lay conduit and
retain ownership for leasing to ISPs. In this case, the law treats broadband infrastructure as a utility in terms of
process and procedure. Funds for this activity come from the DOT-Motor Vehicle Fund.
WSDOT also provides valuable technical guidance to the WSBO related to poles and pole attachments as they
pertain to fish passage areas. In areas where fish passage is being addressed, poles must be relocated one-
quarter to one-half mile from the culvert. This will affect aerial attachments and any associated wireless
transmission devices during broadband construction, including the upcoming BEAD construction.
WASHINGTON STATE BROADBAND OFFICE 2024 LEGISLATIVE REPORT 11
WSBO, CERB and PWB Broadband programs and awards
WSBO Infrastructure Acceleration Grant, Broadband Infrastructure
Program, State Matching Grant Program and direct appropriations 2
The WSBO is tasked with developing strategies and plans to promote broadband infrastructure deployment
and greater broadband access to unserved and underserved areas of the state. Chapter 296, Laws of 2022,
Section 1086 authorizes the WSBO to provide funding opportunities to:
Local governments
Tribes
Nonprofit organizations
Nonprofit cooperative organizations
Multiparty entities comprised of at least one public entity
Infrastructure Acceleration Grant (IAG)
In FY 2022, the WSBO IAG program was funded by a sub-award of the state’s allocation of American Rescue
Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus State in the second round and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) in the first
round. 3 The WSBO may only use this award to fund technology-neutral 4broadband projects designed to
expand access at the lowest cost to the most unserved or underserved residents. In FY 2022, 13 applicants
were awarded a total of $141 million. In 2023, WSBO awarded an additional 19 applicants a total of $121.5
million utilizing a sub-award of the state's allocation of ARPA Capital funds.
CERB Rural Broadband Program 5
Chapter 296, Laws of 2022, Section 1011 authorized the CERB to administer a non-competitive grant and loan
program to promote the expansion of access to broadband service in rural and underserved communities for
the purposes of economic or community development. Under this statute, awards are for the acquisition,
installation and construction of middle-mile and last-mile broadband infrastructure. Funds may also be used
for strategic planning in the deployment of broadband service. Eligible applicants include:
Local governments
Tribes
Municipal corporations
Quasi-municipal corporations
Since its inception, the CERB Rural Broadband Program has awarded more than $35.3 million in loans and
grants to 27 recipients. These awards require a 25% cash match and the total of CERB Rural Broadband
awards cannot exceed 50% grant for the biennium. CERB did not expend any new broadband funding during
this reporting period.
2 A complete listing of WSBO programs applicants, requests and awards is also part of the WSBO Grant Programs Legislative Report.
3 A second round of IAG funding was awarded in FY23. This round was funded by the ARPA Capital Project Fund. The awards can be
found in Appendix A.
4 The term technology-neutral for this grant is defined in the IAG Handbook
5 More information can be found in the CERB Rural Broadband 2024 Legislative Report.
WASHINGTON STATE BROADBAND OFFICE 2024 LEGISLATIVE REPORT 12
PWB Broadband Grant and Loan Program
The PWB is authorized under RCW 43.155.160 to administer a competitive grant and loan program to promote
the expansion of access to broadband service in unserved areas of the state. Funds may also be used for
strategic planning in the deployment of broadband service. Eligible applicants include:
Local governments
Tribes
Nonprofit organizations
Cooperative associations
Special purpose districts
Quasi-municipal corporations
Limited liability corporations organized for the purpose of expanding broadband access
Incorporated businesses or partnerships
The PWB is allowed to fund up to 50% of the total project cost in non-distressed and non-Indian Country areas.
In distressed or Indian Country areas, the PWB may fund up to 90% of the total project cost.
Applications for PWB funding are competitive and must provide evidence that the project:
Is maintained for public use for at least 15 years
Connects the unserved (25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload or less)
The PWB Broadband Construction Program received seven applications seeking a combined total of $23.8
million. The Board approved the awards of $23.8 million in state loan funding at its October 2023 and May
2024 Board meetings. On May 3, 2024, the Board awarded an additional $4.8 million as grant funding for five
out of the six top-ranked projects located in distressed and severely distressed communities.
More details are available in the PWB 2024 Infrastructure Loans and Grants report.
Section 5. Suggested policies, incentives, and legislation
to accelerate the achievement of RCW 43.330.536 goals
The WSBO discussed with stakeholders, the Digital Equity Forum and legislators about the potential to update
the goals included in RCW 43.330.536 to better align with the current structure and timeline of BEAD funding.
The original goals were written before the full details of BEAD were understood. HB 1503, which includes
updates to the speed goals, was introduced at the time this report was written. WSBO anticipates further
discussion on the goals in future legislative discussion and as the BEAD program projects are built.
WASHINGTON STATE BROADBAND OFFICE 2024 LEGISLATIVE REPORT 13
Section 6. Proposed legislative and policy initiatives
Access and affordability
Access and affordability are the primary concerns when we work to achieve the state goals for universal high-
speed broadband. This impacts where and how residents live, the development and competitiveness of
businesses, equality in access to medical and social services, and the attainment of education K-12 and
beyond. While the state's three broadband funding programs work to increase access through the construction
of new networks and upgrading old, affordability is an area that is lagging.
The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was one approach to affordability. Unfortunately, ACP was
not renewed by Congress, and it ceased operation in June 2024. It was a necessary and vital program that
reduced monthly internet subscription costs for low-income residents. The ACP provided a $30 monthly
discount on a household’s internet service and $75 per household on tribal lands. It also offered a one-time
discount of up to $100 toward the purchase of a qualifying device like a laptop or tablet. A total of 358,024
Washington households were enrolled at the time the program terminated.
Lifeline is another federal program designed to support access to phone and internet service for our most
vulnerable populations, but it doesn't have the scope and size of ACP. The Lifeline program is the only active
federal monthly internet bill discount program. It provides a $9.25 monthly benefit for low-income households
or $34.25 for households on tribal lands. Currently, 114,000 Washington households are enrolled.
The need for these types of assistance is not limited to residents in the lowest income brackets, but could be
extended to middle-class families with nominal disposable income. The lack of affordable services for families
and businesses remains a barrier to meeting our state goals and community opportunity.
Federal BEAD State match funding
The state capital funding match of 25%, intended by Washington legislators in the 2024 capital budget for local
governments and tribes is a significant incentive to participate in BEAD. The state has provided $50 million in
the capital budget with the intention to provide a total of $300 million in state match funding in the upcoming
2025-27 capital budget. Governor Inslee's proposed 25-27 capital budget included $280 million in match
funding. The state match is a critical element for BEAD that is unique to Washington. Local governments and
tribes would not have considered participating in BEAD had it not been for the match funding. WSBO will be
working closely with the Legislature to ensure state match funding is available to meet the application needs
of local governments and tribes applying for BEAD funding in 2025.
Section 7. Retail telecommunications services provided
by public utility and port districts
Public utility districts (PUD) and port districts are authorized to provide retail broadband internet services
under RCW 51.16.330(10) and RCW 53.08.370(10) respectively. At this time, there are no active PUD or port
retail providers of broadband service. Jefferson County PUD is in the process of transitioning into retail
service. They are utilizing the open access network they are currently constructing as their starting point for
retail service. View Jefferson County PUD projects maps and construction timeline. In total they have seven
project areas with an estimated final project completion date of April 2027.
WASHINGTON STATE BROADBAND OFFICE 2024 LEGISLATIVE REPORT 14
Of the 122 PUDs and ports within Washington, 22 currently provide or are in the process of constructing
networks to provide wholesale broadband service. Most of these networks involve partnerships with multiple
ISPs to provide retail connection.
According to the Washington Public Utility District Association 6, PUDs have invested more than $607 million in
broadband infrastructure, installed about 9,000 miles of fiber and connected more than 64,000 users to
broadband service. A total of 160 retail internet service providers lease PUD fiber to serve their customers.
Increasing the number of public utility and port districts engaged in
retail broadband
There are steps the state can take to increase PUD participation in retail broadband. These include:
Technical Assistance and Capacity Building
Offer technical assistance and training to help PUDs develop business plans, network designs, and
operational strategies
Support partnerships between PUDs to share resources, reduce costs, and achieve economies of scale
Providing More Financial Incentives
Offer new or increased tax breaks, grants, or low-interest loans to encourage further infrastructure
investments.
Relax Regulatory Barriers
Expedite regulatory processes and reduce governmental hurdles to facilitate faster deployment and
operations.
6 WPUDA telecommunications estimates
WASHINGTON STATE BROADBAND OFFICE 2024 LEGISLATIVE REPORT 15
Section 8. Broadband equity
The WSBO continues to build capacity to advance broadband equity through grants. The Legislature defines
digital equity as “the condition in which individuals and communities in Washington have the information
technology capacity that is needed for full participation in society and the economy.” 7 To address broadband
equity in Washington, the WSBO is implementing the following efforts.
Digital navigators
WSBO's Broadband Digital Navigator Program (BDNP) supports the WSBO’s mission to advance digital
inclusion for all Washington residents to participate and collaborate online to thrive in today's global society.
Through collaboration, BDNP grantees and their partners promote digital literacy and services, creating
equitable digital inclusion. The BDNP also supports the WSBO initiative, "Internet for All in Washington," which
reduces digital barriers for Washington’s residents through digital literacy, supported connectivity and device
distribution.
The BDNP defines a Digital Navigator (DN) as “a trusted member of a community and/or organization who
assists individuals, groups and or households in the internet adoption and use of computing devices.” Digital
navigation services include the distribution of internet-supported devices (laptops, computers, hot spots), and
real-time assistance with an option to use digital learning platforms to teach the digital curriculum through in-
person, webinar-based and at-your-own-pace options. Between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2024, the Digital
Navigator Program’s grantees used $2.78 million for devices and $12.2 million to provide digital navigation
services to program participants. Between July 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, the Digital Navigator Program’s
grantees used $3.5 million for devices and $23.7 million to provide digital navigation services to program
participants.
The WSBO anticipates an increasing need for Digital Navigator services due to Washington's expanding
broadband infrastructure. Through synergistic partnerships, the BDNP's outcomes will include measurable
data to assist in eliminating barriers to connectivity. The BDNP's strategic approach is to inform and
collaborate with communities, entities and governments.
Key Highlights
In Fiscal Year 2022 (FY 22), the BDNP awarded $7.4 million in grant funding to 4 grantees through a
competitive Request for Proposal (RFP).
In Fiscal Year 2023 (FY 23), the BDNP awarded $30.2 million in grant funding to 32 grantees through two
competitive RFPs.
In Fiscal Year 2024 (FY 24), the BDNP awarded $29 million in grant funding to three consortiums to
implement the digital navigator proviso in the 2023-25 biennial operating budget. The goal is to increase
digital equity and navigation services for state residents. The collective knowledge and experience of the
current Digital Navigator grantee cohorts provides progress through services and device access. There are
65 committed consortium members and continuous partnership growth throughout communities in
Washington.
7 Chapter 265, Laws of 2022
WASHINGTON STATE BROADBAND OFFICE 2024 LEGISLATIVE REPORT 16
Needs of the BDNP
During the 2021-2023 biennium, the BDNP showed there are many areas of Washington that have unmet
internet connectivity, accessibility and adoption needs. The BDNP anticipates that in the next five years, digital
inequities will outpace the current funding of $30 million for the 2023-2025 biennium. The continuity of Digital
Navigator services is imperative to delivering outcomes that eliminate barriers to equitable digital inclusion.
The BDNP FY 24-25 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) received 26 applications requesting $115,331,157
in funding; the BDNP could only award $29 million to three grantees. The NOFO application process revealed a
greater need for funding of Digital Navigator services and resources to address the current digital inequities
across Washington.
Digital Equity Forum
Established in RCW 43.330.539, Commerce formed the Digital Equity Forum (DEF) to develop
recommendations that advance digital connectivity in Washington.8 WSBO partners with the Office of Equity in
this work. In 2024, Commerce entered an Inter-Agency Agreement (IAA) with the Office of Equity to support its
leadership of this work. The DEF launched its meetings in December 2021, with a number of associated
workshops, stakeholder engagement efforts, listening sessions, and focus groups to listen to local
communities and help identify barriers to the very broad topic of digital equity. Recommendations from the
DEF will inform future digital equity planning efforts, including work with federally recognized tribes and state
agencies involved in digital equity work. It will also inform efforts with partners who play critical roles within
their areas of programming and services in underserved and unserved communities including historically
disadvantaged communities. As noted elsewhere in this report, while digital equity is a broadly encompassing
area of focus for the state, the WSBO's role in this work is related strictly to broadband connectivity,
accessibility, and adoption.
Upcoming grants
The WSBO applied for federal Digital Equity Capacity Grant funding in 2024. WSBO will receive $15.98 million
in funding from this grant round to support meeting the state's Digital Equity Plan goals. WSBO will use this
funding to focus on a Cybersecurity Literacy Program that will develop advanced cybersecurity curricula that
can be incorporated into existing literacy training. The program will address online safety best practices and
promote responsible digital engagement in a culturally relevant manner for all covered populations. You can
read more about the state's digital equity plan in our 2024 Digital Equity Plan report.
WSBO plans to award two digital equity-focused funding opportunities. The Broadband Equity Assistive
Technology grant will promote equal access to technology and digital inclusion in online education,
employment, and community life for individuals with disabilities. A total of $4.925 million is available, and
applicants must apply for funding of at least $1.5 million. The funds were part of the U.S. Department of the
Treasury’s Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program provided to address the negative
economic impacts of the public health emergency. WSBO will report on these activities in the future, as this
work has just started.
WSBO will also release $4.85 million in grant funding to support tribal digital navigation work. The Legislature
appropriated this funding in 2024 to support federally recognized tribes in eliminating barriers and providing a
path forward in equitable digital inclusion through increased access to supporting services such as telehealth,
8 Chapter 334, Laws of 2021
WASHINGTON STATE BROADBAND OFFICE 2024 LEGISLATIVE REPORT 17
employment, education, and training. Expect future reports on this work as WSBO announces awards and
tribes begin receiving funds.
WASHINGTON STATE BROADBAND OFFICE 2024 LEGISLATIVE REPORT 18
Appendix A: WSBO ARPA Capital Program Awards
Grantee Project Title County Total Project Project Award Match
Connell and Basin
Franklin County PUD1
FTTH Franklin $4,854,610.00 $4,854,610.00 $0
King County | Ziply
King County - Ziply
(Duvall) Project King $1,964,090.00 $1,767,681.00 $196,409.00
Kittitas County Kittitas County Kittitas $12,629,002.24 $11,366,102.00 $1,262,900.24
Deer Meadows and
Lincoln County
Seven Bays FTTx Lincoln $10,625,463.00 $8,921,342.00 $1,704,121.00
Cloquallum
Communities Rural
Mason County PUD3
Broadband Fiber
Expansion Mason $3,645,768.00 $3,645,768.00 $0
Okanogan County Okanogan County
Electric Co-Op Connect Okanogan $13,316,683.00 $11,985,014.00 $1,331,669.00
Orcas Power & Light OPALCO ARPA -
Co-Op Orcas Island East San Juan Island $4,370,994.00 $3,911,649.00 $459,345.00
Orcas Power & Light OPALCO ARPA –
Co-Op Orcas Island West San Juan Island $1,379,530.00 $1,242,168.00 $137,362.00
Orcas Power & Light OPALCO ARPA -
Co-Op Outer Islands San Juan Island $7,849,719.00 $6,446,206.00 $1,403,513.00
Orcas Power & Light OPALCO ARPA –
Co-Op San Juan Island San Juan Island $3,726,988.00 $3,352,904.00 $374,084.00
Bow Outlying Areas
Port of Skagit County
FTTx Skagit $8,949,168.00 $8,054,251.00 $894,917.00
Port of Whitman Port of Whitman
County FTTx Whitman $2,483,912.00 $1,135,475.00 $1,348,437.00
Grays Harbor South
PUD No 1 of Grays Elma, Porter and
Harbor County Cedarville
Broadband Grays Harbor $6,916,366.00 $6,916,366.00 $0
PUD No 1 of Jefferson The Inbetweens
County Fiber Jefferson $6,087,687.00 $6,087,687.00 $0
PUD No 1 of Lewis Bunker Creek North
County and South Lewis $11,958,421.00 $11,958,421.00 $0
PUD No 1 of Whatcom
Point Roberts FTTx
County - Pt Roberts Whatcom $3,500,000.00 $3,150,000.00 $350,000.00
Spokane Tribe of Spokane Tribe HWY
Indians 231 FTTH Stevens $3,418,063.00 $3,418,063.00 $0
Tri County Economic Central Stevens
Development District County Hybrid Stevens $12,000,000.00 $12,000,000.00 $0
Yakima County Public
Tieton Fiber
Works Yakima $11,310,004.00 $11,310,004.00 $0
Total $130,986,468.24 $121,523,711.00 $9,462,757.24
WASHINGTON STATE BROADBAND OFFICE 2024 LEGISLATIVE REPORT 19
Appendix B: PWB Program Awards 2022-24
FY22 PWB Broadband Grant Awards (ARPA SLFRF)
Jurisdiction Project Name County Grant Loan Awarded
Kittitas County
Thorp and
Edgemont FTTx
Kittitas County Auditor Project Kittitas $3,338,946.00 $0.00 $3,338,946.00
Port of Clarkston
Census Tract 9604
FTTH Broadband
Port of Clarkston Project Asotin $2,444,381.00 $0.00 $2,444,381.00
Connecting the
Mineral, Elbe, &
Ashford
Communities of
Lewis Co PUD 1 Lewis County Lewis $4,733,011.00 $0.00 $4,733,011.00
Connecting Lincoln
Lincoln County Auditor County Lincoln $4,162,072.00 $0.00 $4,162,072.00
POC Grantham
Elementary Service
Area FTTH
Port of Clarkston Broadband Project Asotin $1,775,282.00 $0.00 $1,775,282.00
Skykomish
Town of Skykomish Broadband King $568,763.00 $0.00 $568,763.00
Jefferson County PUD Discovery Bay East
No 1 Fiber Project Jefferson $1,096,046.00 $0.00 $1,096,046.00
Touchet Valley
Port of Columbia Broadband Columbia $1,165,000.00 $0.00 $1,165,000.00
Clallam County Clallam County
Treasurer Broadband Project Clallam $4,525,174.00 $0.00 $4,525,174.00
Pacific County
Broadband Build BC
Pacific County PUD 2 to Nemah Pacific $5,500,000.00 $0.00 $5,500,000.00
Connecting the
Greater Vader
Community of
Lewis Co PUD 1 Lewis County Lewis $4,726,647.00 $0.00 $4,726,647.00
Port of Skagit County Fir Island FTTx Skagit $2,152,791.00 $0.00 $2,152,791.00
Central Whidbey
Port of Coupeville FTTx Island $4,842,933.00 $0.00 $4,842,933.00
Washtucna Fiber to
Town of Washtucna the Premise Adams $788,946.00 $0.00 $788,946.00
Kitsap County PUD 1 Fiber to the Home Kitsap $1,939,356.00 $0.00 $1,939,356.00
Total $43,759,348.00 $0.00 $43,759,348.00
WASHINGTON STATE BROADBAND OFFICE 2024 LEGISLATIVE REPORT 20
FY23 PWB Broadband Grant/Loan Awards
Jurisdiction Project Name County Grant Loan Awarded
Jefferson County PUD PT Business Fiber
No 1 Project Jefferson $0.00 $1,812,041.00 $1,812,041.00
Total $0.00 $1,812,041.00 $1,812,041.00
FY24 PWB Broadband Grant/Loan Awards
Jurisdiction Project Name County Grant Loan Awarded
Whidbey Telephone Whidbey Telecom -
Company Deer Lake West Island $0.00 $3,723,727.00 $3,723,727.00
Northeast Olympic
Jefferson PUD #1 FTTP Jefferson $1,200,000.00 $2,800,000.00 $4,000,000.00
Okanogan PUD #1 Conconully FTTx Okanogan $1,140,000.00 $2,660,000.00 $3,800,000.00
Klick Networks,
LLCTrout Lake FTTH Klickitat $240,000.00 $560,000.00 $800,000.00
Okanogan County Okanogan County
Electric Cooperative Connect Phase Two Okanogan $1,500,000.00 $3,500,000.00 $5,000,000.00
South Spokane
Spokane Regional County Rural Towns
Broadband Open Access Mid-
Development Authority mile Connectivity Spokane $0.00 $2,000,000.00 $2,000,000.00
WhidbeyTel 2024 Clinton Island $764,547.83 $3,730,073.00 $4,494,620.83
Total $4,844,547.83 $18,973,800.00 $23,818,347.83
WASHINGTON STATE BROADBAND OFFICE 2024 LEGISLATIVE REPORT 21
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