Access Anacortes Fiber

In 2014, members of the community began championing the need for improved broadband internet service in the community. Mayor Gere made this a priority and in 2015 leaders of the City met with other public entities providing broadband services to explore options. Leaders also spoke with incumbents about their willingness to improve broadband service to our island community.

At the same time, the City began exploring internet fiber optic connectivity to replace an aging wireless telemetry transport. A fiber backbone was built to transport telemetry and excess fiber capacity was deployed at a minimal incremental cost. In 2017, a community survey inquiring about interest in a municipal broadband option resulted in over 1,600 people responding with a majority being supportive, positive, and hopeful about the deployment of broadband throughout the City. The City retained NoaNet to engineer the fiber backbone and advise on the fiber to the premise network.

In 2018, a request for proposals for partnerships from communication service providers explored options for operating a City-owned fiber network. Multiple options were presented at a City Council meeting, with the City Council ultimately deciding the return on investment for the community was not supported by the proposals presented.

In 2018, City Council and staff developed a business plan and financial model to build, own, and operate a network with the city functioning as the internet service provider. City Council adopted Resolution 2013 providing a framework from which a three pilot project’s success would be measured. Backbone deployment began in 2019 as staff were hired, policies were developed, and contracts established for construction. In 2020, the City’s first broadband connections to the network were made and now include over 800 businesses and residents in service and over 2,225 preorders in queue.

Currently the city is seeking grants to offset costs of expansion of the network. The largest expansion to date is under construction in the neighborhoods west of the airport, passing 2,300 homes. We continue to work on partnerships with other service providers, governments, and businesses to increase access to affordable high-speed internet.

The City’s broadband project is thriving and cited as a model for other cities across Washington. Without the tireless support of our champions, we wouldn’t be where we are today. The vision of Anacortes residents today is setting us all up for success in the future.

The map shows the expansion of the fiber network. Future dates are contingent on funding. Sections that fall outside of city limits are being funded by outside grant dollars.

If you are interested in joining the fiber network and live inside a current service area or in an area that will be getting fiber in the future, please fill out an order form on the City’s website.

Residential Plans

Month to Month

100 Mbps - $39/month

1 Gbps - $69/month

Managed WiFi - $10/month

Install Fee - $100

Business Plans

12 Month Contract

100 Mbps - $89/month

1 Gbps - $149/month

Managed WiFi - $10/month

Install Fee - $100