OLYMPIA – A bill that would allow Public Utility Districts to offer retail telecommunications services was introduced in the state Senate by Sen. Christine Rolfes, D-Kitsap County.

“This is particularly important to underserved and rural communities where internet and cable access is spotty at best,” Rolfes said.

“Telecommunications is central to many things, from emergency services to advertising for local businesses to helping kids with schoolwork by having internet access. And since PUDs from Grays Harbor to Kitsap to Pend Oreille already have the infrastructure set up, it only makes sense to allow them to expand to retail so we can ensure these important services are available to the people that need them.”

The Legislature authorized PUDs to provide wholesale telecommunications services in 2000. Currently, fourteen predominantly rural PUDs in Washington have taken advantage of this, laying 5,000 miles of fiber-optic cables and partnering with private companies to deliver retail services to communities.

Rolfes’ bill would allow districts the ability to operate retail telecommunications services, the authority of which would be granted by a vote of the people living in the Public Utility District.

“Kitsap County has been a leader in wholesale public telecommunications, even conducting pilot community Wi-Fi programs in areas like Poulsbo and Winslow, where anyone can get online with a mobile device,” Rolfes said.

“This bill would enhance the existing public and private partnership and improve options in the best interest of Washingtonians.”

The bill did not receive a hearing before the policy deadline in the Senate, but will remain available for consideration next legislative session.