NoaNet

NoaNet (Northwest Open Access Network) is a nonprofit public-benefit wholesale broadband organisation founded in 2000 and owned by Washington State public utilities. It operates an open-access fiber network designed to expand broadband access across Washington State and the wider Pacific Northwest, with particular attention to rural and underserved communities.

Its core asset is a wholesale open-access fiber network extending over 3,800 miles and reaching every county in Washington State. The capacity is offered to last-mile providers, which use it to deliver broadband services to end users. NoaNet also sells public-benefit wholesale connectivity directly to community anchor institutions, including schools, hospitals, libraries and government agencies, and it runs the statewide emergency communications dispatch network delivering Next Generation 911 (NG911) services as public safety infrastructure for Washington State.

The organisation's technical work spans fiber optic networking, open-access broadband infrastructure, wholesale telecommunications, last-mile broadband enablement and public safety communications networks. It serves sectors including broadband and telecommunications, public utilities, education, healthcare, libraries, government and emergency services.

NoaNet is owned by public utilities - Washington Public Utility Districts - rather than private investors. Revenue from wholesale services is reinvested in the network to fund its mission and maintain fiscal sustainability. The organisation does not collect tax dollars or subsidies from water or electrical ratepayers, and its stated focus is bridging the digital divide while supporting last-mile providers and community anchor institutions.