WSU Extension and Washington State Department of Commerce partner to expand rural broadband

Community specialists with Washington State University (WSU) Extension are partnering with the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) to enhance the capacity of Washington communities, especially those in rural and remote areas, to provide better and more equitable access to reliable, high-speed internet. Funded by the Washington State Department of Commerce, the one-year, $8 million statewide Broadband Action Team (BAT) Implementation and Support project aids county and community efforts with training, planning support, and resources coordinated through Extension offices to enhance internet access in underserved, primarily rural communities. Under a contract finalized on August 9, Extension team members and funding will aid the development of locally created plans that help communities advocate for, fund, and launch internet infrastructure projects. The Extension-led program will also provide funding support for local digital equity efforts by counties and tribes. As the Washington State Broadband Office moves forward with planning how federal funding can be best targeted to expand broadband services, the agency sees the partnership with WSU Extension as an important step in developing grassroots Broadband Action Teams across the state.