Pictured is Ben Hooper, Broadband Manager
We have been providing Franklin County the benefits of fast, reliable, and secure broadband services since 2001. The broadband services we provide helps connect Pasco, Connell, Kahlotus, and Basin City to the world via 274 miles of fiber.
Franklin PUD’s broadband network provides a reliable high-speed network that helps make advanced broadband services more accessible to residents, organizations, and businesses. We don’t provide service directly to residential users or businesses. As a wholesale provider, we work together with local Retail Service Providers (RSP) to bring state of the art communications to businesses and homes in our community by using the combination of fiber optics and wireless technologies.
During the pandemic we have provided free Wi-Fi hotspots so teachers and students can have access to high-speed internet. “The goal is to reach kids and families who may not have internet access or who don’t have fast enough internet speeds needed to complete homework during the COVID-19 distance learning. “We hope to continue expanding hotspots across the county. The signal can travel up to an 800-foot radius. It’s a very strong signal so users can stream video and perform most tasks you would at home,” said Ben Hooper, Franklin PUD’s Broadband Manager.
The hotspots are located in Pasco, Connell, Kahlotus and Mesa. They are available every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Users can log on from their mobile device or laptop computer.
Here are the locations:
PASCO
Memorial Park, 350 N 14th Ave. Pasco, WA
Wireless Network Name: FBB_Public_WiFi
CONNELL
Connell Community Center, 211 E. Elm Street Connell, WA
Wireless Network Name: PUD_Connell_Public_WiFi
KAHLOTUS
Intersection of Durham Ave and W. Martin St – near the community pool
Wireless Network Name: PUD_Public_WiFi
MESA
Bailie Land and Cattle Company, 205 1st Ave Mesa, WA
Wireless Network Name: PUD_Mesa_Public_WiFi