The Tri County Economic Development District (TEDD) held a groundbreaking ceremony today at the historic former Rice General Store, located at the intersection of WA-25 and Orin-Rice Road in Rice, WA. This event marks the start of TEDD’s first fully funded broadband infrastructure project, launching the transformative Central Zone Project. Funded by the Washington State Broadband Office, this initiative will deploy a hybrid network with fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) and wireless technologies designed to bring high-speed broadband to homes, businesses, and critical public safety installations across central Stevens County.
The Central Zone Project will provide service along Highway 25 from south of Kettle Falls to Rice, and along Orin-Rice Road and Marble Valley Basin Road to Addy. The deployment includes both underground and overhead fiber optic infrastructure, delivering FTTP services to 508 locations. In addition, a next-generation fixed wireless network will extend broadband access to another 1,260 customers. In total, the project will impact 1,768 premises, including 491 residences, 11 businesses, and six local fire stations – an essential upgrade for emergency response in a region with a history of wildfires.
“This project is a milestone for the years of hard work by the Stevens County / Spokane Tribe Broadband Action Team,” said Debra Hansen of WSU Stevens County Extension. “Many community members and agencies have worked tirelessly to solve our connectivity issues through education and advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels. We’re all excited to see this fiber go into the ground.”
A standout feature of this initiative is its open-access network model. Once completed, the network will be publicly owned and operated, allowing any qualified internet service provider to offer services. This competitive approach has been proven to lower costs and enhance service quality. In similar rural counties with open-access networks, high-speed broadband is available for an average of $70 per month. Residents and business owners can check if their location is included in the buildout by visiting the TEDD broadband portal at https://tedd.broadbandportal.net/.
“This initiative is a game-changer for our community,” said Jeff Koffel, Executive Director of TEDD. “With high-speed broadband, we’re not just connecting homes and businesses – we’re strengthening emergency communications, boosting economic growth, and improving quality of life. By delivering broadband through both fiber and advanced wireless solutions, we are ensuring that Northeast Washington stays competitive, connected, and resilient.”
Beyond improved connectivity, this initiative will fuel economic growth, support remote work and education – needs underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic – and enhance public safety communications throughout the region.
Declaration Networks Group (DNG) will serve as the primary provider for the wireless portion of the project. By deploying wireless equipment on existing tower infrastructure and upgrading backhaul capacity, DNG will establish a cost-effective yet robust broadband network – that exceeds Washington’s broadband standards.
TEDD is working in partnership with Northwest Open Access Network, which will serve as the strategic consultant for network operations and technical support. Paramount Communications was awarded the construction contract through a competitive bidding process. Together, these partners will deliver open-access broadband infrastructure that will serve the community for years to come.
Learn more about TEDD at https://tricountyedd.com/
