PocketiNet Communications announces plan to build ultra-fast Gigabit Internet via advanced Fiber Optics

WALLA WALLA, Wash., July 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- PocketiNet Communications has officially announced today at a press conference that the Walla Walla Valley would be the first community to receive its ultra-fast Gigabit Internet via advanced Fiber Optics.  Boasting speeds 100 times faster than typical broadband and 20 times faster than cable, this network has a lot to do with promoting economic development and diversifying the community.

"The Walla Walla Valley is now Gigabit Country," states Todd Brandenburg, President and Founder of PocketiNet Communications.  "We are at a crossroads in communications technology where copper is no longer sufficient and we must bring fiber optics into the homes and businesses for our community to thrive. It's similar to the 1930's when local REA's took electricity to rural areas to put them on an even keel with urban areas." 

At the July 16, 2015 press conference, members of the media as well as key businesses and community leaders got to witness the details of PocketiNet's network rollout and learn about the benefits of Gigabit Internet service. 

Vancouver-based Columbia Ventures Corp., the majority owner of PocketiNet as well as other telecom holdings including Hybernia Networks, began delivering fiber to residences in Dublin, Ireland, a little over 10 years ago. For a while it was the largest fiber-to-the-home provider in Europe, CEO Ken Peterson told the roughly 50 attendees of PocketiNet's "Gigabit Country" announcement.  Peterson said the infrastructure delivering Internet speeds 100 times faster than broadband throughout the community will be a "game changer" for Walla Walla.

Various public officials announced their support for the projec during the press conference including Nabiel Shawa (Walla City Manager), Mike Fredrickson (Port of Walla Walla Commissioner), Jerry Cummins (City of Walla Walla Mayor) and David Woolson (Walla Walla Chamber CEO).  

"Over three years ago the Chamber announced its Digital Walla Walla initiative which helped get Walla Walla recognized as a Top21 Finalist in Intelligent Community Awards in 2014. Today we're helping to see that initiative realized with PocketiNet and Gigabit Country," Woolson stated.  Walla Walla Mayor, Jerry Cummins symbolically officially "lit" the city by fusing a fiber splice to kick off Gigabit services.

As part of its commitment to the community, PocketiNet has also committed to providing a new downtown Wi-Fi hot zone with limited free service for guests in the community.

PocketiNet is taking a strategic approach as to where to first begin building the network.  It will ask the public via a 30 day campaign through pocketinet.crowdfiber.com to register and become a "backer" on expressions of interest. Brandenburg explained, "We want to go where customers want us the most."  Customers need to register and advocate to their friends and neighbors that their neighborhood deserves Gigabit Country first".  At the end of the 30 day campaign PocketiNet will announce the list of neighborhoods or "fiberhoods" that go on to the next level of competition to qualify for construction.

Prices for bundled Internet, Video, and Phone will start at $99.95/mo. and range up to $169.95/mo. with 1 Gbps (1000M) Internet service.  Pricing for stand-alone Internet services during the 30 day campaign start at $59.95/mo for 100/30 Mbps and go up to $119.95/mo for 1G/100M service.  Installation is $300 and is waived with any triple play bundle for a limited time. 

PocketiNet is planning to start turning up 1 Gig service in "fiberhoods" this September.  The service is expected to pave the way for improvements in the areas of healthcare, education, civic life, municipal services and economic growth.  Future services can be expanded to 10Gbps and beyond are made available through a strategic relationship with Huawei, a global fiber optics networks manufacturer.

PocketiNet is a locally owned and operated broadband Internet and Home Security service provider. Founded in April of 2000, PocketiNet serves the Mid-Columbia Basin from Walla Walla to Yakima, WA and south to Umatilla, OR and all points in between. In the competitive market of broadband Internet service providers, PocketiNet has positioned itself above the competition by truly delivering on its promises: speed, reliability, value, dedication and customer care.

To learn more about PocketiNet's Fiber to the Home initiative visit pocketinet.com or pocketinet.crowdfiber.com 

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pocketinet-communications-announces-plan-to-build-ultra-fast-gigabit-internet-via-advanced-fiber-optics-300115363.html

SOURCE PocketiNet Communications

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