[information update as of 12/05/22]

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Over two hundred fifty (250) customers in the Three Fingers area will have access to some of the fastest internet in the world. Going from dial-up like speeds of ~1.5 Mbps to unlimited, symmetrical, 1000 Mbps dedicated fiber connections on PUD 3’s open access network will revolutionize communications and increase opportunities for residents. This project was will be completed through the USDA RUS ReConnect Program, in partnership with PUD 3’s Fiberhood Program. 

PROJECT TIMELINE:

In early 2020, PUD 3 was awarded a federal ReConnect grant to assist in construction of the Three Fingers fiber optic network. While we did experience some delays due to COVID and federal processes, we are now moving forward with this exciting but massive project. There are many phases to a project this size and we plan to keep you updated as we move along.

Our engineering designers have recently completed the construction designs for this project!  We are in the process of transitioning from the “Engineering” phase to the “Construction” phase.  You will soon see our construction crews in the area as we approach January 2023.

It will take a lot of time to complete construction to your area, but the final deadline to full project completion is April of 2026.  However, we anticipate we will be complete much sooner than that.

Here's a quick overview of the 8 STEPS to a PUD 3 Fiber Connection.

1. Pre-Construction Engineering – Engineers create designs to install new conduit where it won’t interfere with existing utilities and make as little impact as possible to roadways.
2. Make Ready Crew – Linemen and PUD 3 crews dig trenches or use a directional drill or vibratory plow to install conduit and vault systems that will hold the future fiber optic cables.
3. Telecom Engineering – Engineers then design the maps and estimate the supplies and equipment needed. This is a very technical process to ensure there is enough fiber for each existing parcel, and room for growth as the neighborhood develops. This step also includes identifying a location and installing a fiber distribution hut and creating a safe pull-off for PUD 3 crews to work at the hut.
4. Main Line Fiber Crew – A fiber crew then installs the main fiber-optic cables and the service terminals in the neighborhood. This is very often a contract crew that PUD 3 hires to perform this work. The required competitive bidding process takes additional time, but it ensures PUD 3 is in compliance with the law and that we get the best deal possible on behalf of our customers.
5. Splicing Crew – Splicers must join the newly installed cables together with a high-tech fiber fusion machine. This is usually yet another sub-contracted group. Sometimes this phase can seem to take a long time because the work occurs in a box van and is less visible than the installation of new infrastructure such as poles, conduit, or fiber cable.
6. Service Drop Designer – In the Three Fingers Fiberhood, those who have applied for service worked with a PUD 3 engineer to plan the best path to the home and review requirements. This is a slightly different order of operations than our other projects.
7. Fiber Gateway Install Crew – The PUD 3 installation crew completes the install of the service line and attaches a fiber gateway to the exterior of the home.
8. Pick a Provider – With PUD 3’s open access fiber network, a number of retail service providers can deliver unlimited, symmetrical, gigabit internet (1000/1000 Mbps), HDTV, and/or phone services to your home over the single fiber optic cable. Shop around to get the best deal! If you’re not happy with one, pick another and utilize the same fiber line installed by PUD 3.

WHAT WE NEED FROM AREA RESIDENTS:

To speed up the timeline and help our engineers plan ahead for the scope of the project, we are asking residents in the project footprint to let us know if they would like to be placed on the construction list for connection to Mason PUD 3’s gig-speed fiber optic network. Eligible properties received a letter and application in August 2021. If you are within the project area and you need another application, please email fiberhood@masonpud3.org. A follow-up letter was sent to customers in February 2022 and phone calls were made to those that didn't respond to ensure all interested parties let us know they want to get connected as soon as possible.

This application will notify the engineers that you want to be included in the construction phase. They will schedule a site survey with you at your home and design a plan to install conduit for the fiber cable. Even if you are not planning to get connected right away, it is very important to submit your application now so that we can prepare the path for future fiber while our construction crews are in the area.

The Fiberhood application fee of $250 will not be billed until the connection phase of the project when it is time to install the fiber optic gateway on your home.

IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD:

You will likely see PUD 3’s engineers, Stan and Cody, in your area over the next several years. There may be new paint markings on the ground which identify underground utilities and perhaps small wooden stakes. These aid in the design and safe construction of the fiber optic network. As we transition from design to construction, we appreciate your patience and potential traffic delays while our crews perform their work. Thank you for helping us to make safety a top priority.

MORE ABOUT PUD 3 FIBER:

It sounds like a lot, but don’t worry, PUD 3’s teams are experts in this process! Over 3,000 homes and businesses around Mason County, in some of the hardest to reach areas, are now connected to the fiber optic network. When complete, you will be able to select from a handful of local internet providers to get symmetrical, unlimited gigabit (1000/1000 Mbps) internet; HDTV; and phone service over the single fiber optic connection from PUD 3.