News
A 108-mile underground fiber route, connecting to a submarine cable landing station, has been completed by Astound Broadband in Oregon.
By: Brad Randall, Broadband Communities
A fiber route partially funded by Amazon Web Services has provided connectivity to hundreds of homes in a rural Oregon county for the first time.
The route, a 108-mile fiber route along Highway 6, runs from a submarine cable landing station near Pacific City to Hillsboro, according to Astound Broadband.
Astound, the fiber-internet provider that completed the project, said the new route has changed lives in Tillamook County, where it passes through.
“This build is an example of how investments in a submarine cable system can bring vastly improved connectivity to nearby areas,” said Matt Updenkelder, a VP of infrastructure development at Astound.
So far, the route has brought fiber-connectivity to 270 homes in Tillamook County, Astound’s April 8 release stated.
Nicole Martinez, a resident of Gales Creek, called the development “life changing.”
“Working and studying from home is now a breeze and all five of us in the household are connected on multiple devices, with no interruptions,” she said. “In addition, we frequently have visitors and they’re enjoying the connectivity, as well. The kids love it for movies, games, as well as some schoolwork online.”
Investing in long-term success
Astound’s release also said the new fiber route may make the process of installing cellular towers along Highway 6 easier.
Currently, Highway 6 has no cellular service, according to Astound.
Courtney Lee, a senior manager of public policy with Amazon Web Services, said their investment into the Bifrost submarine cable system “underscores our commitment to investing in the long-term success of local communities.”
“Our collaboration with local leaders and Astound Broadband aims to support bridging the digital divide in the Tillamook area and along Highway 6,” Lee stated.
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