Chelan PUD and Local Internet Service Providers Teaming Up for Free Hotspots

Chelan PUD is partnering with local Internet Service Providers to create WiFi hotspots for online access in the county.

Fiber and Telecom managing director Mike Coleman says the goal is to extend broadband access to students and community members without internet at home as classes move online, people needing to file applications or are depending on websites and social media for vital information during the COVID-19 public health closures.

"We're really focusing these hotspots away from the schools, more into the community where the people live. That way it's going to provide a bigger impact than if we just focused on the schools themselves."

Chelan PUD says they have can at least 50 access points with the first active hotspots up and running in one to two weeks.

Coleman says they have three ISPs as confirmed participants.

"The benefit of this approach is that it is free to the users, it is high impact with the ability to serve many customers in a short period of time and it is low impact on PUD crew and service provider resources for implementation."

The broadband access will be provided to providers at no charge.