Gateway Fiber says construction mostly complete after 60 miles of fiber; BEAD applications pending

Derek Leffert, head of government affairs for Gateway Fiber, told the Washington City Council on March 3 that the company has largely finished construction in the city and is moving from build-out to customer service.

"I think, on the project, we put about 60 miles of fiber in the ground here in Washington," Leffert said. He added the network has "passed a little under 5,000 homes and businesses." Leffert said a small number of areas were not feasible for underground installation and are on hold.

Leffert said Gateway submitted applications for federal broadband grant funding through the BEAD program and that awards have not been announced. He said if the company receives those awards it would resume construction to reach additional areas south and east of the city. He told the council the company expects to know more in about a month to six weeks.

Leffert described the current work as minor finish-up tasks: active bores, replacing a few handholds and restoration to yards and rights-of-way delayed by winter weather. "We're shifting our focus from construction now to serving the customers," he said, adding the contractor that had been finishing work went out of business and the company brought in a replacement to complete the remaining tasks.

Leffert said Gateway is underground-first but has begun considering aerial installations where boring is not feasible. He cautioned that using poles can be expensive if existing pole infrastructure is inadequate because a builder can be required to pay to replace poles.

Council members and staff praised the company's local point of contact. Councilmember Heidrich called out "kudos to Rick," saying his responsiveness helped keep the project on track; Leffert also thanked city staff, including Charles, for their cooperation.

Leffert said the company will continue to address remaining restoration work and small customer-driven extensions and that residents should call the company when they see unfinished yards or issues. He also said the company expects to remain active in the community after construction ends and to focus on service and support for new customers.

Documentation and follow-up: Leffert said the company has been tracking smaller add-on requests and will file permits for occasional small extensions when customers request them. He reiterated that work to restore disturbed yards and replace equipment will continue as weather allows.