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PORT PROJECTS: SKAGIT
Broadband: The bold idea of a better way By Linda Tyler, Port of Skagit
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n a time, and more specifically during a year, when the need for connection cannot be overstated, the Port of Skagit is making progress on bridging a digital divide that is destined to keep widening if left unfettered. In 1934, President Roosevelt created the Rural Electrification Administration to bring electricity to the west. Within 20 years, 90 per cent of rural homes in the west had affordable electricity. Today, our country is facing a similar challenge of bringing an essential service — reliable, affordable, high-speed broadband — to all corners of our communities, especially to rural, under-served and unserved populations. Broadband service is no longer a luxury used for surfing the web, scheduling a pet grooming appointment, or checking out the latest TikTok video. It has become increasingly vital and is more aptly defined as a basic utility like water, sewer, and electricity. People are relying
This bold idea of a better way — to collaborate rather than compete — was well-received and garnered some traction. on connectivity for education, employment, health care, economic opportunities, public health, safety, and other essential services on a daily basis. The issue is no different for the Port of Skagit, located in northwest Washington State between the metropolitan centers of Vancouver, B.C., and Seattle, Washington. Three years ago, the Port conducted an East County Telecom Survey in its district, and uncovered harsh inadequacies in internet service performance, affordability, and availability. Responses from east county residents revealed that merchants couldn’t process business transactions, students couldn’t complete their homework, teachers weren’t able to develop lesson plans,
healthcare professionals were hindered in providing care to their patients. These shortcomings were negatively impacting economic opportunities, livelihoods, sustainable jobs, quality of life — the very attributes the Port of Skagit takes pride in developing and growing within its community. Not unlike the urgency level with any technologyrelated matter, immediate action was needed…preferably yesterday.
The Skagit County Community Fiber Optic Network
The notion of a countywide fiber optic network came about organically. While the Port of Skagit was poised to make a request to Skagit County
The installation of a Telecom Hut at the Port of Skagit, enabling providers to access the new fiber optic system and deliver service to their customers. January 2021 — PACIFIC PORTS — 37
