Astound Broadband Expands High-Speed Internet Access to Underserved Areas of Pierce County, Washington

Residents in rural Pierce County, Washington, are poised to gain access to high-speed internet thanks to a new expansion project by Astound Broadband in partnership with Pierce County. The initiative aims to bring symmetrical internet speeds of up to 5 gigabits per second to over 3,500 homes in the Nisqually region.

Project Details and Construction Timeline

Astound will construct approximately 113 miles of new fiber optic infrastructure, utilizing both aerial and underground installation methods. Construction will focus on two key corridors:

• Highway 702 Corridor: From the junction of Highway 507 (McKenna) to Highway 161 (Clear Lake), including Harts Lake Road South, Allen Road South, 8th Street South, Eatonville Cutoff Road, and Jensen Road East, as well as smaller side streets.
• Highway 7 Corridor: From 304th Street East (Johnson’s Corner) south to Cranberry Lake, encompassing 340th Street East, Christensen Muck Road East, 320th Street East, and surrounding neighborhood streets.

Residents can anticipate temporary traffic impacts during construction, including the presence of certified flaggers, signage, shoulder closures, and occasional lane shifts. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and adhere to posted instructions in work zones. The project is expected to be completed later in 2026. Astound Broadband announced the project on February 13, 2026.

Public-Private Partnership Funding

The $13.3 million project is a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors. Pierce County is contributing $7.97 million in funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), while Astound Broadband is investing the remaining $5.33 million. Channel Vision Magazine reported on the funding breakdown.

Addressing the Digital Divide in Pierce County

County leaders emphasize that this investment is part of a broader initiative to expand broadband access to underserved areas within Pierce County. Reliable high-speed internet is now considered essential for remote work, online education, telehealth services, and small business operations. Pierce County highlighted the importance of addressing connectivity challenges in rural communities.

Benefits of the Expansion

The new fiber optic network will deliver significantly faster upload and download speeds compared to many existing services, enabling households to stream, work, learn, and connect seamlessly. This improved connectivity will also support the future growth of digital services and enhance the quality of life for residents. The project builds on previous efforts to bring high-speed internet to Herron Island and the Key Peninsula. Pierce County initially announced the partnership on September 30, 2024.

Resources for Residents

Residents interested in tracking construction progress or learning when service will become available in their area can visit Astound’s project webpage. Additional information about Pierce County’s broadband expansion initiative is available at www.PierceCountyWa.gov/BoostingBroadband.