“Island Network” Internet Service Pilot Project Launched

The Board approved the Island Network / Friday Harbor Intranet Pilot.  A microwave link was installed connecting Friday Harbor to Lopez.  In 2004, a grant from the San Juan County Economic Development Council helped fund the design and buildout of the Friday Harbor fiber-optic distribution system.  In March 2004, The Computer Place became the first Island Network subscriber, followed by the San Juan Island School District, the San Juan Island Library, and Rock Island, Inc.  By the end of 2004, OPALCO had laid new submarine fiber-optic cables between Lopez and Shaw, Shaw and Orcas, Decatur and Blakely, and Blakely and Orcas Islands.