OCEC fiber optics in the valley update

[Rideback]

In case you didn't get the email

OCEC Members,

We are excited to share the latest updates regarding the ongoing broadband fiber construction projects. Our team is working hard to bring faster and more reliable internet access to the Methow Valley, and we want to keep you informed of our progress.

Methow Fiber & Methownet:

You may have noticed the name Methow Fiber being used in addition to Methownet. Methownet LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of OCEC, will remain your local retail Internet Service Provider (ISP) and will be your point of contact for questions relating to the project and retail internet service. Methow Fiber is a division of OCEC and will be the wholesale provider of both wireless and fiber to Methownet. Methow Fiber will own, operate, and maintain the infrastructure to keep the internet service fast and reliable.

Projects Overview:

These projects are aimed at enhancing high-speed internet connectivity by deploying fiber optic technology across the OCEC electric service territory. The projects will provide improved broadband services to residents and businesses, offering speeds that are crucial for modern communication, remote work, and educational needs. We received grant awards for two projects: ARPA and PWB. These two projects are actively under construction and/or development. We are applying for additional grant funding to expand the fiber network to OCEC's entire electric service territory.

Recently, many federal grant funds were frozen or cancelled altogether. The good news is the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) and the Washington Public Works Board (PWB), the awarding agencies, have indicated OCEC should continue work as planned, and has not indicated our two awarded grant projects are at risk of being frozen or revoked. Following is a summary of the two projects:

1) ARPA Grant Project - Federal Funds - Current Progress:


Environmental Review and Permitting - Ongoing
OCEC received environmental permits from the state and are in process with various state and county permits for specific areas of the project.

Design & Engineering - Near Completion
OCEC's contractor, UtilitiesOne, completed nearly all design and engineering for the project area. There will be final adjustments made for any issues that arise during construction.

Construction - Ongoing
OCEC's contractor, UtilitiesOne, began construction in April and you may have seen their trucks and equipment around the valley. The project is broken into six different areas and work is currently focused on building the backbone of the fiber system up from Twisp along Eastside County Road, into Winthrop, and then out Highway 20 all the way up to Lost River at the end of the line.

Project Plans:
We expect to complete the majority of the backbone and main fiber distribution lines this 2025 construction season. Our goal is to complete as much underground and aerial "last-mile" drops to individual homes and businesses as possible before the snow flies in late fall. We anticipate the Methownet staff will be busy this winter making final in-home installations and inspections for those houses and businesses we are able to reach this construction season. When the network is complete, fiber optic lines will be activated. The project must be completed by October 2026 and we are confident we will achieve our goal to complete the project prior to that deadline.

What to Expect in the Coming Weeks:
Crews will continue construction on the backbone and main distribution lines in the Winthrop/Mazama/Lost River areas.

If you are a property owner in a targeted service area, you may receive an email notice from Methownet with specific details about the Installation Agreement and process at your location. Methow Fiber requires a signed Installation Agreement in place prior to construction crews completing work on your property.

The Methownet team is available to address any concerns or questions you might have. We encourage you to reach out if you need additional information about service timelines.

2) PWB Grant Project - State Funds - Current Progress:


Environmental Review and Permitting - Started
OCEC has contractors to complete the environmental review necessary to receive permits from the state.

Design & Engineering - Contracted
OCEC's contractor, UtilitiesOne, will provide design and engineering for this project. We expect high-level design and engineering to be completed fall of 2025.

Construction - 2026 Target Start
OCEC will release a bid for construction for this project and will target winter of 2025 for that process.

Project Plans:
We anticipate this project to be complete in the 2027 construction season.
Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Grant Process - Federal Funds: OCEC partnered with Okanogan Public Utility District on applications to the WSBO for projects in the Methow Valley. If successful, and with the other two awarded projects, OCEC anticipates receiving funding to reach nearly 95% of the OCEC electric service territory with fiber-to-the-home projects. This project would likely be a 2028/2029 construction window.

The BEAD program has been in national news and subject to speculation regarding funding being paused, reduced, or removed all together. Our guidance from the WSBO is to continue the application process and we intend to do that.

Are You "On the List?":

The Methownet website has funded project area maps, the proposed BEAD-funded areas, and an opportunity to ensure you are "on the list". Please visit methownet.com, 'New Service' in the Fiber-Optic box to enter your address and begin the verification process.

Contact Us:

For more information, please visit our website at methownet.com for real-time updates, FAQs, and interactive maps.

We are grateful for your support and patience as we work towards connecting our community with the fast and reliable internet access it deserves. Stay tuned for more updates!