THE DALLES — Gorgeous Broadband, a new community-owned internet service provider, launched on Sept. 22, offering reliable, affordable broadband internet to Mid-Columbia residents over a network built and owned by QLife Network.
QLife, an intergovernmental agency founded in 2001 that owns and maintains 60 miles of fiber infrastructure in The Dalles, is currently expanding its network to serve an additional 2,750 households within the city. Through Gorgeous Broadband, customers will be able to access fiber internet that’s 10 times faster than what people currently experience in the city.
“The expansion of our fiber network and the launch of Gorgeous Broadband are significant milestones, representing meaningful progress toward creating a digitally connected community where residents connect, work, learn and thrive,” said Liz Lance, executive director of QLife Network.
Faster, cheaper high-speed broadband for residents
A partnership between the city of The Dalles, Wasco County and Northern Wasco County PUD, QLife Network has historically served large businesses and institutions such as schools and medical facilities. In the meantime, The Dalles has had no dedicated residential fiber provider, resulting in slower speeds, buffering and unreliable connections for many households.
With the launch of Gorgeous Broadband, area residents will have the opportunity to access QLife’s high-speed broadband network, with equal upload and download speeds, for the first time. Customers will be able to select among multiple packages starting under $70 per month, choosing between various speeds to match household needs.
“Whether you are running a business from your home, enrolled in online school or looking to engage in more video calls with family and friends, Gorgeous Broadband will offer multiple options to meet your household’s streaming demands,” Lance said.
Gorgeous Broadband will roll out service by the end of the year, starting with 2,750 households and expanding from there. It will be managed by Northern Wasco County PUD.
“As a customer-owned utility providing nearly 25,000 people and businesses with electricity, we’re excited to help launch Gorgeous Broadband,” said Roger Kline, general manager and CEO of Northern Wasco County PUD, and QLife board member. “We take great pride in providing some of the lowest electricity rates in Oregon and are equally proud to support QLife in offering affordable high-speed internet to residents and businesses in the region.”
For more information and to sign up to receive updates about Gorgeous Broadband, visit gorgeousbroadband.org.
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