I met today with the new general manager of the PUD and their new broadband specialist.
While we didn't agree on everything, I have to say that the meeting was respectful and productive. Everyone agrees that having more data, like the RRUL (network load testing) data I've requested the county fund, would be helpful. So please write to the county council, if you haven't already, and ask that this type of real world testing be conducted county-wide.
Instead of trying to recount the entire meeting, I'll just say that the PUD is supposed to give us an update on their plans soon. How soon? Only they know. Still, those who have been following this issue for years know that transparency is very rare from our institutions in general so I am hopeful that the PUD will continue down the road of more and more transparency.
Although we needed better connections yesterday, and there is no excuse for the lack of performance we have seen from our institutions throughout the pandemic, we should note that these 2 new positions mark a new era for the PUD and they are picking up the pieces from a less responsive legacy of the past.
So realistically we're still looking at 3 to 5 years for their plans to bear fruit unless other entities like the County Government step in and help. Which they can, and should. Which is why I ask again that you write to them. Here is the general county council e-mail.
council@co.whatcom.wa.us