Okanogan Broadband Study, 2020
COVID-19 made it clear that many workers, school-aged children, families, and individuals struggle to find reliable internet access when they need it most. The 2020 Broadband Feasibility and Business Plan, commissioned by Okanogan County and the Colville Confederated Tribes, maps out the scope of the broadband access problem, identifies active partners and opportunities, and proposes strategies to bring broadband to our communities. A few highlights from the report are below.
Why increase broadband access?
Improve public safety, medical services and first-responder services
Grow educational opportunities, from distance learning to daily access of online school lessons and homework.
Support business development, including the ability to work from home or start a home-based business
Primary challenges surrounding broadband access:
High expense to get fiber to homes, even if there is fiber running close by
Current broadband lacks reliability and often offers only slow connections and speeds
Insufficient customer density to justify expense of bringing fiber to rural areas
Priority locations to strengthen broadband access:
Aeneas, Belvedere-Rebecca/McGinnis, Lake Brewster, Conconully, Coulee Dam, Disautel, East Omak, Elmer City, Harmony Heights, Knob Hill, Malott, Nespelem,Omak Flats/North Omak, Oroville, Pateros, South Pine Creek Road, Salmon Creek Road
