Chelan PUD and LocalTel Offer Lower Cost Internet Option

Chelan County PUD is joining forces with LocalTel to offer a low cost internet access package in an attempt to enable more families to have access to internet. Many people have faced a heavy shift of work and school being transferred to an online platform and the package, $29.95/month with no installation fees, can help eliminate the 'digital divide' caused by finances.

"They're calling it 'Internet Light'," said Mike Coleman, fiber and telecom managing director. "It's an internet package with reduced bandwidth, reduced features at a reduced cost."

The package is a 30 by 5 megabits service with a 200 gigabyte capacity and additional gigabytes are available for 20 cents per gigabyte.

"When you compare that with what the cellular companies, that's a marvelous bargain," said Coleman. "

"It is an opportunity for low income folks, families to have some internet access and bridge that equity gap that so many face," said Steve McKenna. "This is a big deal to me."

According to a press release, the cost of the LocalTel package could be even less per month for those who are eligible for “Lifeline” discount. That can reduce the cost by another $9.25. Folks interested in the low-cost internet access package are encouraged to contact LocalTel for more information and to place an order.

A second provider, Native Networks, is also underway on creating a low cost package.