Back to Blog

Progress Report: OPALCO’s Broadband Initiative

OPALCO is on the home stretch in its year-long effort to explore the feasibility of expanding the existing fiber network and create a telecommunications infrastructure that would serve the County. The goals of the Initiative are to:

  1. Upgrade our electrical system by adding Smart Grid capabilities that will improve reliability and help members save money on energy costs;
  2. Improve the communication system for local public safety first responders, including OPALCO, Sheriff, Fire and EMS;
  3. Provide our members with access to high-speed Internet service at speeds of at least 10 Mbps; and
  4. Create new opportunities for economic development and expanded cellular coverage in the County.

We conducted a feasibility study early this year, and developed an initial plan. We are now engaged in a due diligence process, taking that analysis to the next level of detail. We are working with industry experts, equipment vendors, and contractors to acquire specific cost estimates that will help us make an informed business decision. We are also conducting field tests to verify the technical capabilities of the system.

This due diligence process will yield a draft business plan for review by OPALCO ‘s Board of Directors. We expect this review to take place at the Board’s October 18th meeting. As always, co-op members are welcome to attend OPALCO board meetings, and the business planning materials will also be posted at www.opalco.com in November.

If the Board approves the plan, we expect to host another round of public forums to explain and discuss the direction and service offerings.

OPALCO would like to thank the many members who have weighed in on this project, those who attended the open forums in May, and those who worked long and hard in the public process to create a revised Wireless Ordinance. As a co-op, our strength is in working together to find practical solutions that serve the whole.

 

You may also like...

island way

OPALCO Renewable Energy Community Meetings Recap

A few weeks ago, the OPALCO team held a series of community meetings about local, renewable energy. The meetings were held at all three major islands to engage co-op members … Read more
tidal power

Rosario Strait Tidal Energy Project Update

September 30, 2025 is the last day to make public comments on the Rosario Tidal Energy Project as part of the public process with a pilot Draft License Application (DLA) … Read more

Find OPALCO back at their headquarters starting September 29

During the summer months, OPALCO worked on a critical maintenance project for the Eastsound headquarters. The roof of OPALCO’s 1970s built Eastsound headquarters office had reached the end of its … Read more