Effective networks are critical to resiliency, access to services for residents and businesses, and a key component to our comprehensive regional economic development strategy. To support addressing un-and underserved areas of our region, MCEDD coordinates the Gorge Broadband Consortium.
This group of local governments, internet service providers, and community advocates works to ensure that residents and businesses will have the broadband access and skills to take advantage of the resources, services, and markets available on the internet today. If you are interested in participating, please get in touch with Carrie Pipinich.
Key Strategies
Broadband is essential to providing economic opportunities throughout the Mid-Columbia region. The region’s rural nature and challenging and diverse terrain make building broadband infrastructure extremely costly and nearly impossible for private sector investment alone to meet needs.
Improving broadband connection in the region is complex and has to occur at several
levels. Building infrastructure redundancy that connects east/west and north/south enables more reliable broadband connections throughout the region in the event of an outage, cable-cut, or natural disaster. This redundancy is a necessary condition for businesses interested in locating or growing in the region.
Increasing speeds and decreasing latency in connections is necessary to support industry growth in the technology sector as well as improved telemedicine, distance-learning capabilities, and many other applications for businesses and communities.
Reaching key tower sites and facilities increases service for public safety communications and will provide opportunities for private internet and cellular carriers to build upon the backbone investment and allow for additional connectivity.
Addressing un/under-served areas will increase internet access for homes as well as businesses and key community anchor institutions. Enhanced broadband provides connection to education and training opportunities for the growth of a skilled and talented workforce, right from home. Home will become a viable choice for many residents who require internet access to manage their work or businesses at their residences. Expanded access will relieve real estate market pressure for homes that have adequate broadband access.
Resources
In 2021, Federal and State governments have recognized that building broadband capacity is required to enhance economic opportunities and support more resilient and networked communities. Federal funding to the states has been prioritized with the Infrastructure Funding act, NTIAA, and BEAD Programs. Due to the Mid Columbia’s region’s bistate area, MCEDD is participating in both Oregon and Washington efforts. Current Broadband Action revolves around compiling an accurate Broadband map. The map will guide the federal funding that will be distributed by each state’s Broadband Office for local build out of infrastructure with the added goal to provide digital equity throughout all communities.
Looking for services?
Check out the National Broadband Map for information on who reports serving your location. You can review your location and report incorrect information on the map!
The FCC‘s Affordable Connectivity Program supports a $30/month discount on your internet service bill as well as one time support for a device for those who qualify. Check out information and apply on their website.
The Washington State Broadband Office works with partners to support Washington State in meeting key access and speed goals outlined in its forming legislation and coordinates with other state and federal programs. They have resources for planning, grant application development, and more! WSBO also has a speed test you can take to report on access at your home. Click on GO!
WSU Extension Broadband Resources
WSU has partnered with the State Broadband Office to collect the information needed at the local level.
The Oregon State Broadband Office works to promote access to broadband for all Oregonians. They are developing resources for planning and infrastructure programs.
Faster Internet Oregon is a partnership that MCEDD participates in to support speed test mapping in Oregon to ensure communities can plan for broadband projects. Take a speed test at your home or business!
The Oregon Connections Telecommunications Conference draws attendees from all regions of the state to share ideas, experiences and knowledge about telecommunications.