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Help us identify low or no high-speed internet service areas in Washington state
Statewide broadband — a collaborative effort
In 2019, the Washington State Legislature enacted Second Substitute Senate Bill 5511, recognizing that broadband access is critical to the residents of Washington. The legislation established access and download/upload speed goals for residences, businesses and communities.
Our Mission
To enrich the lives of all Washington state citizens and businesses by ensuring they have access to affordable, reliable, redundant and scalable/future proof broadband technologies ensuring the economic viability of both urban and rural Washington state today and into the future:
- By 2024: 25/3 Mbps scalable;
- By 2026 – 1/1 Gbps all anchor institutions; and
- By 2028: 150/150 Mbps all citizens and businesses.
Funding Opportunities
Matching grants available for federal broadband infrastructure financing opportunities!
In the first of two funding rounds, the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) is making $25 million available in matching funds for local partners who are applying for federal broadband infrastructure funding (grants or loans).
The WSBO will commit match grant awards to the eligible applicants with projects that are strong candidates for the federal funding opportunity sought by the applicant. Priority will be given to projects that have received funding from the Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) or the Public Works Board (PWB) for a previous phase of the same project or a related project.
Match awards may not exceed $5 million or 25 percent of the federal award amount sought, whichever is less.
Eligible applicants are:
- Units of local government, including but not limited to ports and public utility districts;
- Federally recognized Tribes;
- Nonprofit organizations;
- Nonprofit cooperative organizations; and
- Public-private partnerships.
Key Dates:
- The cycle is open Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at 8 a.m. and closes on November 15, 2021 at 5 p.m.
- Contingent awards are expected to be announced by December 1, 2021.
Contact info:
Tammy Mastro: Tammy.mastro@commerce.wa.gov
Request for Proposals
Washington to Washington: Broadband
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
The upcoming Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) will provide a discount of up to $50 per month towards broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on Tribal lands. In addition, eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute $10-$50 toward the purchase price.
EBB Documents
EBB Program Guide
This Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Guide is a resource for providers of low-income services who are working with individuals who may qualify for the EBB program. This guide includes information on program benefits, how to apply and where to learn more about specific EBBP topics.
EBBP Program Guide (PDF)
EBBP Consumer Rights and Tips Notice
This notice is to help EBB Program participants and prospective participants avoid predatory activity related to the program and unexpected charges for internet service when the program ends.
EBBP Consumer Notice (PDF)
EBBP Tribal Letter (PDF)
How to apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit (PDF)
Washington State Broadband Office EBB Program fact sheet (PDF)
EBB Program Links
Search for Emergency Broadband Benefit providers in your area (web)
List of Emergency Broadband Benefit Providers in Washington (web)
Federal Communication Commission’s EBB webpage (web)
USAC Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Adoption Enrollments and Claims Tracker (web)
Program Contact
Drive-in WiFi Hotspots Location Finder
In response to the impacts of COVID-19, Drive-In WiFi Hotspots provide free temporary, emergency internet access for Washingtonians who do not have broadband service to their homes. Visit the location finder.
Public Works Board Broadband Construction Grant and Loan Cycle
The Washington State Public Works Board broadband infrastructure construction grants and loans cycle will open in 2021.
CERB Rural Broadband Program
Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) provides low-interest loan/grant packages to local governments and federally-recognized Indian tribes, financing the cost to build infrastructure to provide high-speed, open-access broadband service, to rural underserved communities, for community economic development.
Broadband Action Teams Information
Broadband Action Teams (BAT) are community-driven collaborations that identify the connectivity and accessibility needs for their communities. A BAT can help a community to:
Centralize the broadband conversation and direct engagement to the State Broadband Office.
Assist statewide digital equity and inclusion efforts and represent community technology and accessibility needs.
- Connect participants to collaborative project goals.
- Bring early awareness of community projects to funding opportunities.
Click here to view the current BAT List.
Not seeing your BAT on this page? Please email devin.gombosky@commerce.wa.gov to have your group represented here!”
Resources
Broadband funding
Public Works Board – State Broadband Infrastructure Funding
CERB – Rural Broadband Construction and Planning Funding
2.5 GHz Rural Tribal Window: How to File
USDA ReConnect Loan and Grant Program
ReConnect Program Eligible Area Map
USDA Community Connect Grants
USDA Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grants
NTIA Comprehensive Guide to Federal Broadband Funding
Tools
Public Works Board – Statewide Broadband Planning Assessment Survey
Community Broadband Kit (web) (PDF)
Need help?
Devin Gombosky, Administrative Assistant devin.gombosky@commerce.wa.gov