FFB Episode 295: Washington’s Broadband Buildout: What’s Happening Now?

Fiber for Breakfast with Gary Bolton · Sep 9, 2026 · 33m

When Jordan Arnold became Director of the Washington State Broadband Office in January 2026, the state was on the cusp of a major broadband milestone. Just weeks later, Washington received federal approval for its final BEAD proposal, unlocking more than $1 billion in investment for broadband expansion. Now, almost nine months into her role, Jordan joins Gary Bolton, President & CEO of the Fiber Broadband Association, to discuss how Washington’s broadband strategy is taking shape and what this early implementation phase is revealing. From moving BEAD from approval to implementation to…