Your Hometown News Source
Your Hometown News Source
DAYTON–The Port of Columbia Board and staff offered a public informational Zoom meeting on Monday, August 31, about bringing in Pocket iNet Communications to expand broadband services within city limits, as well as to extend out of the city; a $2 million project.
A grant funded feasibility study was completed in February with Pocket iNet which determined Dayton’s need for faster and more reliable internet services. Through this Port project, a fiber network would be built connecting every home in the Dayton city limits and beyond, with capability of expanding more rurally in the future.
Scott Hutsell, Chairman of the Washington State Public Works Board and Lincoln County Commissioner envisions greater access than just a connection by utilizing the technology already available. “We can’t just settle for just being connected. It’s just not enough. The technology is there. It can be done.”
The project cost would be $2 million. If the Port of Columbia is awarded the full grant through the Public Works Board, a low-interest loan of just 10% or $200,000 would be needed. The feasibility study projections reflect a positive return for investment. According to Dickinson and Pocket iNet CFO Giselle Hepker, within today’s technology, this investment should never be obsolete.
The Port of Garfield is already in the process of building the network in their area reported Port Manager, Diana Ruchert. She claimed that people were paying for higher speeds than they were getting and that businesses are wanting to expand to get reliable, fast internet. Dickinson concurred that this expansion is necessary to make a community thrive and grow.
Once built, internet providers can opt to use the network by paying a fee to the Port which would help to provide maintenance, and the providers would offer the services to members of the community.
One attendee questioned if the high-speed service would be affordable. A representative said it would depend on the internet speed chosen, but one “could expect a bill for about $40-$100 a month.”
Over 50 community members attended the Zoom meeting, including some professionals who offered their expertise to the meeting.
