Broadband

Broadband

Broadband service has become increasingly more vital and is more aptly defined as an essential utility like water, sewer and electricity. People are relying on connectivity for education, employment, health care, economic opportunities, public health, safety and other essential services. In 2017, the Port of Skagit in coordination with Skagit County, Skagit PUD, EDASC, and cities and towns throughout the county worked together to develop a strategic plan for fiber optic infrastructure in Skagit County. That plan led to a strategic partnership between the Port and Skagit PUD in May 2018 called SkagitNet to jointly oversee construction and operation of key pieces of fiber optic infrastructure throughout the county.

The Port of Skagit is grateful to all the partners who have helped make this work possible. Important milestones towards broadband access have been achieved since the beginning of this work, including the completion of the east county backbone to Marblemount that provides broadband access in east county, and securing an operator to manage the east county infrastructure.

The Port’s current objectives include working to identify and secure grant funding at the local, state and federal levels to increase access to more rural locations throughout our communities, and to build systems where they are needed with private partners.