Affordable, High-Speed Internet Could Soon Reach Thousands in Kitsap County

Thousands of homes and businesses throughout the area are one step closer to getting reliable and affordable high-speed internet.

This major milestone comes on the heels of a recent announcement from the Kitsap Public Utility District (KPUD) that the Washington State Broadband Office has made a preliminary allocation of $14.98 million for broadband infrastructure in Kitsap County as part of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program (BEAD).

“Think of it as funds being ‘reserved’ for KPUD, pending the completion of federal review and approval of the state’s funding proposal,” said Angela Bennink, KPUD’s general manager.

If received, KPUD will use the grant money to help build the infrastructure needed to expand existing broadband connections to an additional 4,000 households across the county.

“The funding award creates a backbone investment in KPUD infrastructure that will lower the cost for thousands of residents to connect to the fiber network and open the door for continued growth of our community-owned utility. In short, it closes real gaps in access, makes broadband more affordable, and sets up KPUD to keep building a network that serves everyone in our communities, not just the easy-to-reach areas,” said Bennink.

It will also supplement the $6.6 million already received from the Kitsap County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which is being used to build 21 fiber distribution nodes to strengthen speeds to 100 Gbps for thousands of homes.

Bridging the Digital Divide

The BEAD program was designed to help make vast improvements to internet access and reliability in underserved areas nationwide. Over $42 billion in federal grants have been designated for building and upgrading broadband infrastructure throughout the country.

Introduced by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in 2021, the BEAD program aims to ensure that all individuals have access to affordable and reliable internet. By bridging the digital divide, it also removes barriers related to educational equity and economic hardships.

With high-speed internet access becoming essential for everything from education and business to the daily scroll, the grant would remove existing coverage gaps in the Kitsap area and also provide more consistent internet speeds.

“One of the biggest challenges we are faced with is that the demand for better broadband is outpacing the resources available to expand quickly enough. KPUD has built a strong, reliable open-access fiber network with communities throughout the county wanting to connect. The difficulty is that there isn’t enough funding available to meet the need as fast as people are asking for it. We are excited that the demand is so high, and we are hard at work expanding the network as quickly and efficiently as possible. Reality is that the interest in high-quality service has grown faster than the financial tools we need to build it, and that gap creates frustration for those who are eager to be connected right now,” said Bennink.

The BEAD funding would be transformational for Kitsap County.

“KPUD’s approved federal funding will expand our fiber network to nearly 4,000 unserved and underserved homes that currently don’t have access to reliable broadband. It will also extend service deep into rural parts of the county, passing by thousands of additional homes that have historically been the hardest and most expensive to reach,” said Bennink.

Business Runs on Broadband

But it's about far more than convenience. Having a strong fiber optic infrastructure, like the one being built by KPUD, is crucial for business retention and expansion in Kitsap County.

“Businesses today run on broadband. Whether it’s processing credit card payments, holding virtual meetings, transferring large files, or connecting to global markets, reliable internet is essential. For Kitsap, strong broadband helps local businesses stay competitive, attracts new employers, supports remote work, and ensures that our economy can grow without being held back by poor connectivity. Companies considering expansion or relocation look closely at connectivity, and without reliable service, they may choose other regions where digital infrastructure is stronger,” said Bennink.

It also attracts and retains a skilled workforce.

“When Navy families decide to stay in the area after service, the ability to work remotely from home is a major factor in choosing to remain part of the Kitsap community. In short, broadband access doesn’t just help existing businesses thrive; it ensures our region remains competitive, attractive, and welcoming for both employers and families,” said Bennink.

It will be up to the NTIA to sign off on the WSBO proposal later this year.

“The preliminary allocation is just the first step. KPUD will now work with the state and federal government on required reviews and final project approvals. Once those are complete and contracts are finalized, funds can be released and construction can begin,” said Bennink.