Washington Sets Aside Millions To Provide Broadband Service To Rural Portions Of The State

Thanks to the capital budget approved last week, over $21 million will be available to a variety of agencies looking to make high-speed internet available in rural portions of Washington.  Over the next two years, the state’s Public Works department plans to loan $14.44 million and give another $7.11 million to public agencies looking to provide broadband to rural areas as well as reservations.  With the funds now set aside, the state will also create an office in the Department of Commerce that will oversee the broadband expansion effort.

Supporters of rural broadband access were quick to point out that the funding will not ensure coverage to ever corner of the state, and they are hopeful additional funds will be provided in future budgets.  According to Capital Press, the state has set a goal of making high-speed internet available to every home and business by 2024.

The FCC defines high-speed internet as download speeds of at least 25 megabits per second.

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