Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Mason County PUD No. 3 build a fiber optic backbone?
PUD 3 has connected its substations, Olympic View Generating Station, business offices, and upgraded its communications for PUD operations; which in the future may include automated meter reading. The PUD fiber optic network supports such services as telephone, computer networking and video conferencing.

What does this mean for the community?
Mason County PUD No. 3 is given the ability under state law to provide wholesale telecommunications services.

Benefits for the community include a reliable, fast, expandable system, which can carry many services. Services provided on the PUD 3 backbone include high speed Internet service, networking and data services for business, telephone and advanced voice services, video conferencing and security monitoring. Future services will include television programming.

Does the Mason County PUD No. 3 fiber optic project help with economic development?
In Mason County high speed services are comparatively inexpensive compared to larger cities, and are becoming more accessible. The PUD has placed its fiber optic system, the expertise of its staff, access to a publicly owned region-wide communications system, and a commitment to the community in the forefront of the effort to bring the very latest communications services to Mason County.

Why is the PUD building so much capacity into the system?
When rural areas were electrified in the early 1900's, the system delivering power was sized to support very few electrical conveniences, such as a water pump, milking machine and lights. Companies producing electrical appliances quickly stepped in with the latest labor saving devices which outstripped the capacity of the power distribution system to homes and farms. Utilities had to move quickly to upgrade their systems to meet the demand for more electricity.

Put simply, you wouldn't build a two lane road to a super mall! Mason County PUD No. 3 has committed itself to making sure that its community is not limited in this way. Therefore, PUD 3 is building a fiber optic system that will support the communications needs of its customers well into the future.

So that local retail service providers can bring advanced services to the community, the PUD uses fiber to the home technology. By bringing fiber directly to a gateway box at a home or business, the PUD avoids the limitations on speed and capacity of a hybridized copper and fiber connection. The fiber to the home solution also provides for future services that will depend on a network with the speed and capacity to support them.

Whom do I contact for fiber optic service?
For information about available services, how to apply and get connected, contact Mason County PUD No. 3
or any of the fiber retailers.

If my connection goes down, what do I do?
Contact your retailer. Do not contact PUD 3, as this will delay the restoration of your service.

What are some reasons that fiber optic services aren’t available in my area yet?
Fiber build outs take considerable time and resources. There may also be permit issues and particular construction issues that take extra time. Contact Mason County PUD No. 3 for more information about PUD fiber construction and line extensions.

If fiber is not available yet in my area can I get on a waiting list?
Yes, please contact your retailer. You may also contact the PUD at telecomweb@masonpud3.org to learn about where construction of the fiber optic backbone has occurred.

How do I connect to the fiber optic system; what equipment do I need?
Mason County PUD No. 3 provides a fiber optic gateway box near your power meter. You and your retailer should discuss the best way to connect your home and/or business network to the fiber optic gateway box.

I want to hook up three computers in my house to the fiber system, is there an extra cost?
PUD 3 bills your retailer for the amount of bandwidth that their customers use on the PUD system. For this reason, the number of devices connected to the fiber system at a given address is not an issue for PUD 3. However, your retailer may have an additional cost, or may limit bandwidth usage.

Are there secure locations for my business servers and internet hosting?
Mason County PUD No. 3 has a collocation facility for professional hosting and server placement; please contact PUD 3 for further information.

Mason County PUD No. 3 Telecommunications
360-426-8255, ext. 5882
From Belfair: 360-275-6518, ext. 5882
From Elma: 360-861-4247, ext. 5882