Customers should be prepared for construction activity, increased road traffic, possible lane closures, and noise. PUD 3 will be installing new conduits underground to extend the fiber optic network to the area. The PUD will also be using a contractor for a portion of the project, so residents may notice work vehicles that do not have the familiar PUD logo on them. However, rest assured, PUD employees will be on-site overseeing the activities at each step of the way. We do ask residents to practice safe driving and social distancing around construction zones for worker safety.
During construction, there may be a need to take short outages to ensure the line workers’ safety. If that is necessary, affected customers will be notified in advance.
Since this is part of a grant the PUD was awarded to extend its fiber optic network to an underserved area, the PUD must use a contractor to fulfill a portion of the grant's requirements. All work is overseen by PUD personnel.
PUD 3 was given the green light to begin engineering designs in Spring 2021. We anticipate the total project to take up to 5 years (April 2026), but we plan to be able to connect homes in stages as we work through the area.
Honestly, probably not as soon as you would like. This very large project will take time to design and construct, with many phases in several different neighborhoods throughout your area. Once we have the designs completed, we will install conduit at the road; then bring it to your home; then install the fiber optic cable in it and splice every strand together; then test each strand throughout the whole network; then install the gateway at your home. Describing it is the easy part. As you’ll see over the next few years, it will take many skilled craftsmen many dedicated, hardworking hours to get this lasting, future-proof network built. We must have the project completed in full by April 2026, but we will go neighborhood-by-neighborhood while we work towards that goal.
That’s a good question. COVID brought many of its own challenges and delays- some of which we are only starting to feel now (e.g. supply chain issues). The ReConnect program - and the ability for PUDs in Washington State to participate - was a “pilot project” through the USDA Rural Utility Services (RUS). This caused significant delays on their end, which impacted their ability to give PUD 3 the green light to get started. There were also Archaeological and Environmental Surveys and Notifications that had to be completed. We wish we could have gotten started sooner- but we’re on it now!
We see Fiberhood customers getting unlimited, symmetrical, uncapped internet at 1000/1000 Mbps for about $85 per month. HDTV and phone services are additional. However, PUD 3’s fiber network is unique. It is an “open access” network, which means that you, as the end user, can select from a number of different retail internet service providers and their packages. These providers deliver the service over the single PUD 3 fiber optic cable and they bill you directly. If you want to switch, it’s easy - and you don’t need a new connection to your home.
The ReConnect grant covered a significant portion of the network construction and allowed us to consider the Three Fingers area for fiber expansion, but it does not cover all of the expenses. The Fiberhood costs cover the remainder as well as a portion of the operating costs of the network into the future.
You don’t have to get connected now. We will dedicate fibers to each parcel at the road. However, if and/or when you change your mind, you will be added to the queue and have to wait your turn. Sometimes that can be months. Our strong recommendation is to submit the Fiberhood application now. We will design and install a conduit path to your home so that it will be an expedited connection when you’re ready to get hooked up in the future. Only customers who are connected to the network and actively taking services pay the Fiberhood Construction Adder.
The Fiberhood program, in partnership with the ReConnect grant, cover most scenarios. However, each property may have unique challenges that we may not be able to accommodate. A customer may need to provide a conduit pathway under a landscaped area, driveway, or sidewalk; or perhaps may need to permit the use of an aerial installation. Our engineering team are well versed in identifying great solutions to get homes connected to fiber and to help customers find a path that works for them.
Fiberhoods are the bedrock of PUD 3’s fiber expansion program. Learn more about Fiberhoods. The Three Fingers area does not need to sign up to reach the 75% goal; you’re already under construction!
