Oakesdale connects with new fiber optic

OAKESDALE — Internet becomes faster for Oakesdale on Dec. 20 as fiber optic services begin.

It is the final segment of a five-part plan by the Port of Whitman County and Ziply Fiber to bring broadband internet service to Whitman County.

Rosalia, Garfield, Palouse, and Tekoa already are part of the fiber optic net.

The new fiber network enables “Gig-speed” or gigabit fiber internet and phone services to residences and businesses.

“We are thrilled that Oakesdale soon will become Washington’s latest ‘gig-speed’ city ... Completion of this project has been something we’ve all been working hard to achieve and we’re proud to be able to deliver on our mission,” said Kara Riebold, chief operating officer at the Port of Whitman County.

Construction of the fiber network was supported by the Washington Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB), which was formed in 1982 to respond to economic. CERB’s Rural Broadband Program provides low-interest loans and grants to local governments to build infrastructure to provide high-speed broadband service to rural communities for economic development.

“Residents and businesses will benefit greatly from significant speed, capacity, and reliability upgrades that fiber internet provides when making video calls, uploading, and downloading content and streaming entertainment,” said Riebold.

Ziply Fiber is headquartered in Kirkland and has offices in Everett, Beaverton, Ore., and Hayden, Idaho.

The Port of Whitman County is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Whitman County citizens through economic development, transportation, and water recreational opportunities.