PUD commission continues broadband discussion

EPHRATA — Discussions continue for the Grant County Public Utility District commission, regarding the future of broadband technology possibilities in the county.

The discussion, during the commission's regular Monday meeting, was the second in a series laying out options for future commission action.

Warren Miller, telecom manager at Okanogan County PUD and 37-year veteran in the telecommunications industry, spoke to the commission about Okanogan PUD's broadband network.

Miller discussed the business plan Okanogan PUD developed for its network. He provided insight about how the plan functions to benefit residents of Okanogan County.

The Grant PUD commission dropped the existing telecommunications "stand pat" policy in January, directing the general manager to investigate available fiber-optic technologies and financial options for expansion of the PUD's wholesale fiber-optic network.

Monday's presentation was the second step in the investigation process.

Independent contractor J.R. Simmons, from COMgroup Incorporated, walked the commission through different broadband network architectures in early April. Simmons discussed fiber-optic networks, wireless networks and hybrid networks.

During the PUD's ongoing investigation, the commission and staff members are considering other non-PUD expertise to educate themselves regarding technical options for the utility.

Commissioner Tom Flint, in an interview Tuesday, said Simmons' April 9 presentation shows Grant PUD made the correct decision building the current fiber-optic network.

"The current fiber network is the most robust, offers the greatest value and is the best to meet future needs," Flint said.

Okanogan's network is mostly wireless, Flint said. He would only support the use of wireless technology for extremely remote homes in Grant County.

"I'm still an advocate of fiber to the premises," Flint said.

Commission President Randy Allred said Tuesday he values Warren's insight on creating a successful business plan for telecommunications.

Allred was particularly interested in Warren's explanation for how Okanogan PUD charges for services and generates revenue.

No decisions regarding further build-out of Grant PUD's fiber-optic network were made.

A third presentation from an independent telecommunications expert is expected to be scheduled for later this month.