Astound, a provider of internet, Wi-Fi, mobile, TV and fiber-optic solutions, has partnered with Pierce County, Wash., to expand the availability of high-speed internet to the Nisqually region. In the coming months, Astound will build 113 miles of infrastructure, including a mix of aerial and underground fiber construction. When complete, more than 3,500 homes will gain access to broadband with symmetrical speeds up to 5 Gbps, the company said.
This project is a $13.3 million public-private partnership, with Pierce County contributing $7.97 million from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and Astound covering $5.33 million, officials said.
Construction will take place along the Highway 702 corridor from the junction of Highway 507 (McKenna) to Highway 161 (Clear Lake). The project will also include the Highway 7 corridor from 304th Street East (Johnson’s Corner) stout to Cranberry Lake. Both areas include several main roads and smaller side streets.
The partnership is part of a Pierce County initiative to facilitate broadband infrastructure expansion to underserved areas. This program combines county funding with broadband service providers to build infrastructure for the benefit of residents and local businesses.
Pierce County is the second largest county in Washington and has nearly 1 million residents.
