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Astound Broadband Announces $22M Project With Clallam County, Washington

Astound Broadband has unveiled a $22 million infrastructure partnership with Clallam County, Washington, aimed at transforming regional connectivity through expanded high-speed internet access. The project, funded in part through federal and local grants, represents a significant investment in digital equity and rural broadband development.

Reliable internet is no longer a luxury—it directly supports remote work, online education, healthcare delivery, and small business growth. Communities in Clallam County stand to gain improved access to these vital resources through fiber-to-the-home deployment and expanded network capacity.

This blog post breaks down the scope of the project, the technology and investment behind it, and the long-term benefits for Clallam County residents and businesses alike. Ready to see what faster, more reliable internet can unlock for this region?

Clallam County: Laying the Groundwork for Digital Expansion

Geographic and Demographic Snapshot

Clallam County sits on the northwestern tip of Washington State, bordered by the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains. The region spans over 2,600 square miles but is home to fewer than 80,000 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 population estimates. With population density averaging around 30 people per square mile, Clallam is classified as predominantly rural.

Port Angeles, the county seat and largest city, anchors economic activity. However, many residents live in smaller towns or across dispersed communities, from Sequim to Forks and outlying tribal lands. This uneven population distribution presents immediate logistical challenges when deploying modern infrastructure, particularly broadband internet.

Connectivity Gaps and Barriers to Access

Large portions of Clallam County remain either unserved or underserved by adequate broadband coverage. According to data from the Washington State Broadband Office, several census blocks in Clallam report fewer than 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds—the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) minimum threshold for broadband. Limited access deeply affects households, small businesses, healthcare facilities, and schools, particularly in unincorporated and tribal areas.

Natural obstacles further complicate network expansion. The mountainous terrain and dense forest canopy obstruct line-of-sight for wireless solutions and increase the cost of underground fiber deployment. In combination with low population density, these factors reduce the private-sector incentive for building next-generation networks across most of the county.

Why Broadband Access Transforms Regional Growth

Fast, reliable internet is not just a utility—it’s a foundation for economic participation, innovation, and social connectivity. In Clallam County, the strategic upgrade of broadband infrastructure unlocks new possibilities. Healthcare providers will be able to scale telemedicine services. Educators and students in remote school districts will close digital learning gaps. Businesses—especially those in tourism, agriculture, and clean energy—will grow by entering digital marketplaces previously out of reach.

Upgrading broadband is more than a technological step forward. It integrates Clallam County into the digital economy, attracts investment, and strengthens community resilience in a region exposed to environmental vulnerabilities and economic isolation.

Modern broadband is a foundational public asset in the 21st century. For Clallam County, the stakes are amplified by the unique intersection of geographic isolation and economic potential. That’s why investments like Astound Broadband’s $22 million infrastructure project signal more than connectivity—they signify a structural transformation across the region.

Inside the $22 Million Broadband Expansion: A Closer Look at the Clallam County Project

Breakdown of the $22 Million Investment

Astound Broadband’s $22 million infrastructure project in Clallam County brings together multiple funding streams. Roughly $14 million will come from federal and state grant allocations, including support from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Washington State Broadband Office. The remaining $8 million will be directly funded by Astound Broadband to cover construction, engineering, and deployment costs.

Approximately 65% of the total budget has been allocated to materials procurement—fiber optic cable, conduit, distribution cabinets, and network electronics. Labor accounts for another 25%, encompassing engineering, splicing, and installation teams. The remaining funds will support permitting, environmental assessments, and contingency reserves.

Project Scope: Fiber Distance, Installation, and Technology

The buildout will span more than 94 miles of fiber-optic infrastructure, reaching underserved and previously unserved regions across Clallam County. Installation will leverage advanced Gigabit Passive Optical Network (GPON) technology, which enables symmetrical upload and download speeds up to 2 Gbps. Equipment will include Calix modular access platforms, supporting scalable upgrades as demand grows.

Crews will employ both aerial and underground cable-laying methods, determined by location-specific feasibility. In environmentally sensitive zones and tribal lands, directional boring will minimize surface disruption. Key waypoints will include strategically placed network access points for managed scalability and node redundancy.

Expanding Coverage: Who Will Benefit?

Once completed, the project will extend reliable high-speed broadband to more than 3,000 homes and businesses across rural and perimeter areas of Clallam County. Targeted service zones include:

For many of these areas, this deployment marks the first-time residents will have access to fiber-based internet, replacing outdated satellite and copper-based systems with gigabit-capable speeds.

Timeline and Key Milestones

Construction began in Q1 2024 and will progress in three phases. By Q3 2024, main line fiber installation along priority corridors will be completed. The second phase, focused on lateral spurs and neighborhood extensions, will run through early 2025. Full project completion, including testing and activation for all service areas, is scheduled for Q2 2025.

More than 100 construction and technical workers will be deployed over the course of the project, many sourced locally through regional contractors.

Public-Private Partnerships Fueling Broadband Expansion in Clallam County

Astound Broadband’s Role: Investment Meets Engineering Expertise

Astound Broadband has taken the lead in private sector engagement, committing substantial capital and resources toward Clallam County's broadband overhaul. The company brings seasoned experience in deploying high-speed fiber networks across diverse terrains. For this $22 million project, Astound will oversee network design, construction logistics, and technology integration, ensuring scalable infrastructure that can support gigabit-speed delivery to thousands of previously underserved homes and businesses.

This isn’t Astound’s first collaboration with local governments—its track record spans major metropolitan and rural builds across the U.S. By applying its technical backbone and operational capacity to Clallam County, Astound assumes key responsibilities ranging from underground fiber trenching to last-mile connectivity.

Clallam County’s Strategic Backing: Facilitation and Oversight

The Clallam County government serves as more than a host; it plays an active role in project planning, permitting, and community engagement. Local officials have prioritized broadband as critical infrastructure, allocating staff and resources to expedite regulatory approvals and right-of-way access. Their involvement guarantees that project timelines align with regional development goals while addressing specific needs in low-density and geographically isolated zones.

Through interdepartmental coordination, Clallam County ensures that deployment aligns with land use priorities, tribal lands, and environmental conservation mandates. County commissioners and economic development leaders continue to advocate for integrated infrastructure planning that folds broadband seamlessly into Clallam’s long-term growth trajectory.

Collaboration as a Catalyst: Aligning Public Goals with Private Capacity

This project thrives at the intersection of public intention and private delivery. Neither Astound Broadband nor Clallam County could independently achieve the scale, speed, or coverage required. Joint planning allows both parties to pool assets—funding, expertise, legal authority, and construction capacity—into a unified rollout strategy.

Ask yourself—how many public works projects deliver long-term economic value, digital opportunity, and infrastructure modernization in a single investment? This one does, and only because the public and private sectors rise together to meet the challenge.

Connecting the Unconnected: Empowering Rural Internet Access

Reaching Underserved Regions Across Clallam County

With the $22 million broadband expansion, Astound Broadband and Clallam County are closing the digital divide for thousands of rural residents. The project directly targets unserved and underserved areas, especially in the western and northern parts of the county. Communities near Sekiu, Forks, and parts of the Lower Elwha Klallam Reservation will gain access to fiber-powered internet for the first time. These areas, previously reliant on satellite or outdated DSL connections, will see gigabit-level speeds as construction unfolds through 2025.

Transforming Daily Life for Rural Households and Institutions

The benefits of reliable, high-speed internet stretch far beyond entertainment or communication. In rural Clallam County, connectivity shapes access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. More than 3,000 homes and 250 small businesses stand to gain from this infrastructure shift. Libraries in sparsely populated areas—such as the Clallam Bay and Forks branches—will introduce more digital services and increase outreach capacity. Schools will expand online learning modules, giving students consistent remote access to resources without lag or interruptions.

Healthcare clinics offering telemedicine—especially those in geographically isolated zones—will operate with greater efficiency and reach. In a region where travel times to Port Angeles or Sequim can exceed an hour, a stable connection removes that barrier entirely. Enhanced connectivity also supports emergency services by improving communications infrastructure and access to cloud-enabled dispatch systems.

Case Studies and Projected Outcomes

Better internet does more than connect—it levels the playing field. Rural communities, long bypassed in telecom development, will see measurable change in how residents work, learn, and live once they operate on the same digital footing as urban centers. Where do you see the biggest change happening?

Accelerating Connectivity: The Fiber-Optic Backbone of Clallam County's Internet Expansion

Next-Generation Fiber Technology in Action

The Astound Broadband and Clallam County initiative centers on the deployment of advanced fiber-optic infrastructure—specifically, gigabit-capable Passive Optical Network (GPON) and XGS-PON systems. These technologies enable symmetrical upload and download speeds up to 10 Gbps, a tenfold improvement over traditional copper or coaxial networks. Unlike older systems, GPON and XGS-PON require significantly less power and support IPv6 natively, which enhances scalability and future-proofs the network.

Performance Advantages that Redefine Access

Streamlining Deployment Through Innovation

Recent advances have accelerated deployment efficiency. Micro-trenching and aerial deployment techniques, used across Clallam County, reduce installation costs by up to 40% and speed up fiber rollout timelines. Moreover, software-defined networking (SDN) integrated into the fiber backbone offers dynamic network orchestration, enabling real-time traffic management and predictive maintenance through telemetry data.

In addition, automated optical testing equipment identifies fiber faults with pinpoint accuracy, removing the need for time-consuming manual inspections. Combined with AI-enhanced network monitoring, outages can be resolved before residents even notice a disruption.

Every length of single-mode fiber laid across Clallam County is more than just infrastructure—it’s foundational technology designed to support gigabit living, remote workforces, digital education, cloud apps, and IoT innovations. This is not just about speed, but about sustainable, adaptable architecture built for the demands of tomorrow.

Boosting Digital Equity Across Clallam County

Reducing the Digital Divide with Strategic Implementation

Clallam County’s rural geography has historically left large pockets of its population with limited or no access to reliable high-speed internet. The $22 million broadband initiative spearheaded by Astound Broadband directly targets this digital imbalance. Every mile of fiber laid disrupts systemic barriers to connectivity, particularly in underserved townships and tribal lands. This infrastructure will close longstanding service gaps that have hindered access to education, employment, and telehealth services in these isolated areas.

Bridging the Access Gap for Underserved Populations

The project’s blueprint incorporates a targeted approach for marginalized communities, including low-income households, elderly residents, and tribal populations. By aligning deployment routes with census data highlighting socio-economic need, Astound ensures that fiber does not simply follow profit but meets purpose. The Jamestown S’Klallam and Lower Elwha Klallam tribes fall within the designated expansion zones, translating investment into opportunity for historically left-behind groups.

Programs Supporting Long-Term Digital Inclusion

Beyond laying fiber, the initiative integrates equity-focused programming designed to sustain access over time. Discounted service tiers for qualified low-income users will complement the broadband expansion. These offerings tie into the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), enabling eligible households to receive up to $30 per month toward broadband service.

Additionally, county-led digital literacy workshops will launch in parallel with network deployment. These sessions will take place in libraries, schools, and community centers, offering hands-on support to help residents navigate digital tools and services. Instructional modules will cover topics like online privacy, digital job applications, virtual learning platforms, and telemedicine portals.

These combined efforts shift broadband from a luxury to a utility—one with equitable access designed into its foundation. The mission is not merely to wire the county, but to include every resident in the county’s digital future.

The Role of Government Funding in Scaling Broadband Expansion

Federal and State Grants Fueling Connectivity

Astound Broadband’s $22 million partnership with Clallam County aligns with federal and state-level efforts to close the digital divide. Funding support—such as from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program—provides vital capital to catalyze projects that might otherwise stall due to cost barriers. The BEAD program, administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), allocates $42.45 billion nationwide, with Washington State securing over $1.2 billion as of mid-2023.

ARPA’s Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) also play a key role. These grants enable counties like Clallam to finance infrastructure that supports long-term growth and resilience. When public agencies commit large-scale capital early in a project, private firms like Astound Broadband gain the confidence to match or exceed that investment with their own financial commitments.

Stimulating Complementary Private Investment

Public grants don’t replace private financing—they amplify it. With foundational funding secured through federal and state grants, companies can scale engineering resources, accelerate construction timelines, and expand service coverage beyond initial project scopes.

In Clallam County’s case, the availability of public-sector financial backing has enabled a broader deployment across more rural households and underserved areas. According to the Washington State Broadband Office, every public dollar in broadband investment typically unlocks $3 to $5 in private-sector capital, directly influencing speed, reach, and technological innovation.

Transparency and Accountability in Fund Allocation

Public scrutiny underscores every dollar spent. Federal and state broadband funding programs require strict compliance with financial reporting, performance milestones, and community outcome tracking. In Washington, the State Broadband Office publishes deployment data, public maps, and investment reports, ensuring visibility into how funds advance equitable access.

This layered approach to accountability enables long-term strategic planning while also monitoring short-term deliverables. Strong fiscal oversight ensures that each investment contributes directly to infrastructure longevity, technology resilience, and community-scale benefits across Clallam County.

Community Collaboration Strengthens Clallam County’s Fiber Future

Transparent Communication Through Town Halls and Public Resources

Astound Broadband and Clallam County officials have set a consistent pace for transparency and engagement. Through a series of well-attended town hall meetings across the county, residents have been invited to voice feedback, ask questions, and gain firsthand insight into the $22 million broadband expansion project. These forums don't function as one-way presentations. Rather, they operate as two-way channels where concerns about service timelines, infrastructure installation, and digital literacy programs are addressed directly by project leaders and local officials.

Complementing these gatherings, the project team launched an interactive public mapping portal featuring up-to-date construction timelines, service availability projections, and neighborhood-specific updates. This resource allows residents to track progress street by street and understand when their communities will come online during each project phase.

Local Involvement Drives Support and Accountability

Community ownership runs deep in this initiative. Local organizations — including the Clallam Economic Development Council and Peninsula Housing Authority — have actively participated in planning workshops to align the broadband rollout with broader community goals like workforce development and housing access. School district leaders, library staff, and public safety stakeholders have also contributed input to ensure the fiber infrastructure meets educational and emergency communication needs.

Elected officials like Clallam County Commissioner Randy Johnson have participated in planning forums, emphasizing the importance of private-public collaboration. According to Johnson, “This project is more than just fiber in the ground — it’s an investment in the next generation of Clallam County residents.” His sentiment echoes throughout tribal council meetings and neighborhood associations, where the anticipation of connectivity reflects years of advocacy and hope for parity in access.

Voices from the Community Highlight Anticipated Impacts

This level of civic participation ensures that the network being laid isn’t only driven by technical specifications—it’s shaped by the voices of those it’s built to serve.

Broadband Expansion Unlocks New Economic Growth in Clallam County

Boosting Local Businesses and Entrepreneurial Ventures

The $22 million investment by Astound Broadband, in collaboration with Clallam County, directly enhances the operating landscape for businesses across the region. With fiber connectivity dramatically increasing data speeds and stability, small and mid-sized enterprises can optimize digital tools, expand their online presence, and scale operations without relocating. This infrastructural reliability reduces overhead and positions local firms to compete in statewide and national markets.

Entrepreneurs launching e-commerce platforms, cloud-based services, or creative agencies from Port Angeles to Sequim will no longer be constrained by bandwidth limitations. Instead, they gain access to symmetrical gigabit speeds, enabling HD video conferencing, real-time collaboration, and uninterrupted access to cloud infrastructures. This project transforms homes and storefronts alike into competitive digital workplaces.

Drawing Remote Workers and Attracting New Residents

Population mobility studies from Brookings and McKinsey have shown rising demand for livable, lower-cost areas with strong internet access. Clallam County fits that profile. With improved broadband infrastructure, the region is poised to attract professionals in tech, finance, design, and consulting who work remotely but seek a lifestyle unplugged from urban congestion.

As these skilled workers relocate, they often bring household incomes well above the median, injecting new consumer spending into local economies. Demand surges for dining, housing, childcare, fitness centers, and specialty retail. Economic growth radiates from every household equipped with high-speed fiber.

Job Creation and Positive GDP Impact Projections

Initial estimates from the Economic Development Council suggest this project will generate over 150 construction, engineering, and network-related positions during implementation. Post-deployment, long-term growth potential multiplies. The fiber rollout acts as a backbone for tech startups, logistics firms, and digital media companies eyeing the Pacific Northwest’s scalable markets.

A 2021 report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond linked broadband expansion in rural counties to a 2.4% increase in job growth over five years. The same trajectory would increase Clallam County’s GDP by tens of millions annually, especially if paired with ongoing digital skills training and regional innovation incentives.

A Connected Future for Clallam County

Clallam County’s collaboration with Astound Broadband marks a definitive shift in how communities prepare for the digital future. With the $22 million infrastructure initiative underway, residents across the region stand to benefit from significantly faster internet, stronger network reliability, and broader digital inclusion—particularly in areas that have remained underserved for decades.

Expect changes not only in internet speed but in the very fabric of everyday life. Students will access education platforms without disruption. Remote workers will operate with seamless connectivity. Local businesses, large and small, will streamline operations and reach wider markets. Healthcare providers will leverage telemedicine to serve rural patients more effectively. These transformations are not theoretical—they are strategically built into the blueprint.

The project’s phased deployment will roll out through 2024 and into early 2025. Curious about mile markers on this journey? Track construction zones, check network activation dates, and see how your neighborhood fits into the broader timeline.

Get Involved: Track, Listen, Share

This project isn’t just about fiber-optic cables and megabits. It’s about the people they connect. Clallam’s future is wired for participation—get on board.