Washington State Department of Commerce
Washington State Broadband Office awards $14.5 million to provide one-on-one technical support, devices, and subscriptions to facilitate internet use and adoption
The Washington State Department of Commerce committed $14.5 million in grants to continue expanding access to the internet through digital navigator services. These grants were awarded to three organizations:
Internet for All in Washington: Digital Equity Plan
The Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) developed a vision for digital equity in Washington state: Everyone in Washington has affordable broadband internet technology as well as the tools and skills needed to participate in our digital society before 2028. The WSBO has established three goals designed to achieve the stated vision:
Broadband infrastructure investments promise access to high-speed internet connections for nearly 15,000 Washington households
The Washington State Broadband Office has awarded over $121 million in grants for 19 broadband construction projects that will deliver reliable, high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved communities across the state. Demand for the grants exceeded available funds by 261% – 50 different projects requested more than $316 million.
Up to $900 million at stake: State seeks public input on federal broadband map
Washington state’s three funding partners working to expand broadband access to all businesses and residents are asking the public to help check Federal Communications Commission data in a recently published National Broadband Map. The Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO), Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB), and Public Works Board (PWB) said the accuracy of this map is essential to future broadband funding in Washington, in particular, up to an estimated $900 million in federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding. All Washington residents are encouraged t
Washington Public Works Board invites public input on changes to broadband funding program
The Washington State Public Works Board (PWB) is seeking public participation to help identify and prioritize issues that stakeholders believe should be addressed in the Board’s broadband funding program as a result of changes made to the program by the 2022 State Legislature. Input from two public workshops in November and a public hearing session in December will also help guide implementation.
Estakio Beltran named Washington State Broadband Office Digital Equity Manager
The Washington State Broadband Office in the Department of Commerce has hired Estakio Beltran to serve as Digital Equity Manager. Beltran comes to the job with significant experience working on equity policy, program development, and community-driven solutions to inequity. During more than a decade working in Washington DC, Beltran advised senior members of Congress and high-ranking officials as public policy professionals.
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.