PocketiNet Announces Walla Walla's First Gigabit Country Fiberhoods

WALLA WALLA, WA — PocketiNet Communications bringing residential gigabit service to communities in Walla Walla, Wash. Because of the technological and financial benefits, PocketiNet Communications began investing in fiber services throughout the Walla Walla Valley in 2009. Due to the cost of distribution, fiber primarily served commercial and educational interests in the valley. Now the company is a new bringing gigabit fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) service, called Gigabit Country, to residential customers beginning with four neighborhoods: Palouse, Boyer, Cottonwood and Plaza-Taumarson. PocketiNet's president and founder, Todd Brandenburg, called the event, "A significant step forward for our beloved city."

Once installed, Gigabit Country residents will have the fastest download and upload speeds available and the capacity to go even faster as new technologies become affordable and/or available. Most homes in the United States have an average of eight Internet connected devices, such as desktop and laptop computers, smart phones, tablets, HD televisions, DVD and Blu-Ray players, dedicated video streaming devices, home automation and security hubs, including a growing number of household appliances. PocketiNet's Gigabit Country FTTH will be able to serve each device simultaneously with unprecedented speed and clarity.

Providing Rural Fiber without Government Funds
Thanks to PocketiNet, Walla Walla (with neighboring College Place) will be the first rural community in the state of Washington to enjoy the benefits of Gigabit FTTH built without state or federal Funds. With less than 5 percent of U.S. homes connected to fiber this is a significant development for a rural community. PocketiNet is set to accomplish this initiative without state or federal funding which is very unique in the U.S. By utilizing private funds and cost effective cutting edge equipment, PocketiNet is able to move as the market demands and serve customers efficiently in a fiscally responsible manner.

"PocketiNet works directly with the global leader in communications technology, Huawei to combine leading-edge networking gear with dedicated sales. We also have a great relationship with the local banks." Brandenburg continues, "These strategic partnerships help keep costs to a minimum while maximizing service to our customers. It allows us to serve people with the personal touch you'd expect in a town where most folks know each other. The bottom line, it means real savings to the customer."

Following Google's Fiberhood Method
The process of bringing FTTH to the Walla Walla Valley is being done much the same way Google has managed the process in larger cities. Neighborhoods, known as fiberhoods, qualify for service based on a friendly competition of interest. The more interest in a zone, the faster FTTH can be installed.

PocketiNet Communications 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, Wash., south to Umatilla, Ore., and all points in between.