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 News release: Sept. 24, 2026
Correction: Total number of Broadband Serviceable Locations updated.
Washington State Broadband Office signs seven contracts to begin connecting unserved and underserved communities
OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) has finalized agreements with seven awardees under the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The agreements mark a major milestone in Washington's effort to close the digital divide, enabling construction to connect thousands of unserved and underserved locations across the state.
Together, these agreements represent a combined investment of more than $165 million in federal, state and private BEAD funding and will connect an estimated 28,452 households once construction is complete.
"Broadband isn’t a luxury anymore,” said WSBO Director Jordan Arnold. “It’s how kids do homework, how small businesses stay open and how families reach a doctor without driving an hour. These contracts cement our commitment to bring that access to communities across our state who’ve been left out for far too long.”
What this means
Prior to construction, all projects must complete National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) and National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) reviews. With these agreements in place, NEPA and NHPA reviews, as well as other permitting activities, can begin. Then, construction crews can extend fiber and other qualifying broadband infrastructure to Broadband Serviceable Locations (BSLs) that lack reliable high-speed internet.
The Starting Seven
“This work couldn’t happen without the hard work and partnership of our subgrantees,” Arnold said. “These seven providers have shown they are ready to get to work on these projects. We’re proud to work with them to get BEAD projects moving in Washington.”
These seven awardees who have signed agreements with the state are:
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Declaration Networks Groups
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Hood Canal Communications
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Lummi Indian Business Council
All BEAD awardees were selected through Washington's competitive subgrantee process. The communities served by these seven providers reflect the geographic diversity of unserved areas across both Eastern and Western Washington.
Why this work matters
For communities receiving new and upgraded connections, reliable broadband is no longer a convenience; it is as essential as other infrastructure, such as roads or electricity. Access to high-speed internet can mean:
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Small businesses and farms can process orders, manage inventory, and reach customers online. Remote work and business development will become possible in places where it wasn’t before.
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Students can complete homework, access online coursework, and take advantage of digital learning tools without driving to a parking lot for a signal.
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Telehealth appointments bring doctors within reach of residents who otherwise would face long drives for basic or specialized care.
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Reliable connectivity supports 911 services, emergency alerts, and coordination during wildfires, floods, and other emergencies that disproportionately affect rural and remote areas.
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Families can stay in touch, access government services online, and participate fully in an increasingly digital world.
Looking ahead
These seven agreements are the first wave of subgrantee contracts under Washington's BEAD Program, with additional agreements expected to follow as WSBO continues its BEAD rollout. Construction timelines vary by project, with most locations expected to be connected within 4 years of contract execution, consistent with BEAD deployment deadlines. Many households will be connected more quickly and before the required 4-year deadline. Subgrantees have until Oct. 8 to sign their BEAD contracts to begin project work.
WSBO will continue to provide updates as construction milestones are reached and additional service areas come online.
About the Washington State Broadband Office
The Washington State Broadband Office, housed within the Department of Commerce, leads the state’s efforts to expand broadband access and adoption. The office administers federal and state broadband programs, coordinates with stakeholders, and develops strategies to ensure all Washingtonians have access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet.
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