Construction to extend a new fiber network in the rural communities of Thorp and Edgemont is set to begin this November, as Lightcurve and Kittitas County move forward with a major broadband expansion.
The project will bring future-ready fiber connectivity to residents and businesses across the county, focusing on Thorp and Edgemont, and will deliver symmetrical speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps where fiber is deployed.
Primarily funded by a $3.3 million grant from the Washington State Public Works Board Broadband Program ARPA Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, the initiative targets unserved and underserved areas. Lightcurve, a local broadband provider with deep roots in Washington, is partnering with Kittitas County to design, build, and operate the network.
Kittitas County Commissioner Cory Wright described the effort as the result of years of preparation and public-private collaboration, noting that the fiber network will unlock new possibilities for remote work, education, telehealth, and local business growth.
Beth Barnes, Lightcurve\’s SVP of Sales and Marketing, emphasized the local focus of the project, saying the effort demonstrates what local investment and service can achieve in a digitally connected community. Construction is scheduled to begin this November, with completion projected for February 2026, and residents should watch for communications about fiber installation at no cost during the construction period.
