WALLA WALLA, WA — PocketiNet Communications has announced that the Walla Walla Valley would be the first community to receive its ultra-fast Gigabit Internet via advanced fiber optics. Boasting speeds 100 times faster than typical broadband and 20 times faster than cable, this network has a lot to do with promoting economic development and diversifying the community.
“The Walla Walla Valley is now Gigabit Country,” states Todd Brandenburg, president and founder of PocketiNet Communications. “We are at a crossroads in communications technology where copper is no longer sufficient and we must bring fiber optics into the homes and businesses for our community to thrive. It’s similar to the 1930s when local REAs took electricity to rural areas to put them on an even keel with urban areas.”
“Over three years ago the Chamber announced its Digital Walla Walla initiative which helped get Walla Walla recognized as a Top 21 Finalist in Intelligent Community Awards in 2014. Today we’re helping to see that initiative realized with PocketiNet and Gigabit Country,” said David Woolson, Walla Walla Chamber CEO.
As part of its commitment to the community, PocketiNet has also committed to providing a new downtown Wi-Fi hot zone with limited free service for guests in the community.
Building Where the Customers Want it Most
PocketiNet is taking a strategic approach as to where to first begin building the network. It will ask the public via a 30-day campaign through pocketinet.crowdfiber.com to register and become a “backer” on expressions of interest. Brandenburg explained, “We want to go where customers want us the most.” Customers need to register and advocate to their friends and neighbors that their neighborhood deserves Gigabit Country first.” At the end of the 30-day campaign PocketiNet will announce the list of neighborhoods or “fiberhoods” that go on to the next level of competition to qualify for construction.
Prices for bundled Internet, video, and phone will start at $99.95/month and range up to $169.95/month with 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps) Internet service. Pricing for stand-alone Internet services during the 30-day campaign start at $59.95/month for 100/30 Mbps and go up to $119.95/month for 1Gbps/100 Mbps service. Installation is $300 and is waived with any triple-play bundle for a limited time.
PocketiNet is planning to start turning up 1 Gig service in “fiberhoods” this September. The service is expected to pave the way for improvements in the areas of healthcare, education, civic life, municipal services and economic growth. Future services can be expanded to 10 Gbps and beyond are made available through a strategic relationship with Huawei, a global fiber optics networks manufacturer.
PocketiNet is a locally owned and operated broadband Internet and home security service provider. Founded in April of 2000, PocketiNet serves the Mid-Columbia Basin from Walla Walla to Yakima, WA and south to Umatilla, OR and all points in between. In the competitive market of broadband Internet service providers, PocketiNet has positioned itself above the competition by truly delivering on its promises: speed, reliability, value, dedication and customer care.
