Astound broadband ties up with Pierce County

Astound Broadband has entered a public-private broadband partnership with Pierce County to bring broadband to several rural and underserved areas of Pierce County for the first time, including Herron Island, Key Peninsula, and the Nisqually region.

Upon completion in 2026, over 3,200 homes will gain access to a fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network, offering up to 5 Gbps symmetrical speeds.

This project is a $12.1 million public-private partnership, with Pierce County contributing $7.15 million from federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and Astound covering the remaining $4.95 million.

The partnership is the latest in Pierce County’s initiative to facilitate broadband infrastructure expansion to underserved areas of Pierce County.

Jared Sonne, Astound Broadband senior vice president and general manager, West Region. “With County and Federal involvement, this project embodies what a true public-private partnership should be, with the ultimate outcome being improved quality of life for area residents.”

Over the next several months, Astound will build 113 miles of fiber infrastructure throughout Pierce County.

Given the market’s unique aspects, the network build will include a mix of aerial and underground fiber construction, as well as a unique microwave process transmitting connectivity from the Key Peninsula ferry terminal to nearby Herron Island. Construction permits are now underway.

The new infrastructure focuses on enhancing connectivity for residences in these underserved areas, supporting personal and professional needs. Once this project is completed, area businesses will have a new fiber optic option. Lightwave Online