Faster Internet service in West Seattle? Two updates

Thanks to Jeff for sharing that photo with word that CenturyLink crews were spotted installing fiber in Arbor Heights today. That led us to check back with CL on the status of its promised megafast Internet access. Regional spokesperson Meg Andrews replied:

CenturyLink is currently building out the network in the Ballard and the West Seattle area — enabling homes along the way. We are still on track to offer the service to tens of thousands of customers in Seattle by 2015.

Andrews added that if you want to get on the list to be contacted when the upgraded service is available at your house, you can do it here.

Meantime, several readers pointed out the Seattle Times (WSB news partner) report noting that Wave Broadband is rolling out service in Eastlake, expanding its CondoInternet service to all kinds of housing. Pauline looked beyond the Times story to call attention to the company’s suggestion that it might choose future neighborhoods depending on interest expressed – so if you want to tell them to come here, here’s where to go.

cj November 12, 2014 (9:59 pm)

Cheers! Hope they expand soon!

Diane November 12, 2014 (10:07 pm)

everybody, go to their website and make a request; let them know we want service here

Tuesday November 12, 2014 (11:09 pm)

Oh man, I would love to kick Comcast to the curb. I hope this is happening everywhere! YAY for competition!!!

David P November 13, 2014 (4:55 am)

I saw a team stringing what looked to be fiber along the hill up to the admiral view point a few weeks ago. Might not have been though, I’m no expert.

David November 13, 2014 (5:41 am)

This is a game changing event just as getting electricity, phones and indoor plumbing was in olden times

pupsarebest November 13, 2014 (5:56 am)

Wow!
Does this mean we might actually get the service we were promised and have been paying for since we signed up more than a year ago?

Yasmin November 13, 2014 (6:11 am)

i got the “upgraded” internet and it’s awful. Unreliable speeds and really slow in peak hours. I live off 37th and Trenton,

pops November 13, 2014 (9:34 am)

I would prefer Wave gigabit access in my neighborhood because from the ST article, they are stringing the lines on existing utility poles. Centurylink, on the other hand, will add utility boxes to the parking strip to build out their network. And there’s not much you can do to stop them from putting a utility box in front of your house since the City bent over and agreed to let them do this

ou November 13, 2014 (9:44 am)

You’ll pay almost just as much as Comcast and it will be slower. We are in Arbor heights now + have Boost 60 Mbps, basic cable with Tivo and pay only $85. They had an offer for cable for essentially free awhile back (bundle). Not sure if they still offer it. Until Century link gets cheaper reliable speeds Comcast seems to be best option. Century link is the old Qwest and they were terrible too!

Dereck November 13, 2014 (12:34 pm)

Say if you live in or around Pelly Place be sure to let them know your interest in it. Lets get rid of comcast.

Rose November 13, 2014 (6:27 pm)

CL contractors are going through our streets trashing tress along their way without any concern of their surroundings. Big branches being broken off by their efficient team paving their path. They literally climb (with no ladders) into trees breaking branches making a mess and go on their way…..and did I mention loud AND obnoxious on Sunday afternoons…..and by they way, I really don’t like my Comcast service but CL should monitor these renegades a little more closely.

WSB November 13, 2014 (6:32 pm)

You’ve called CenturyLink to report this, I hope?

Eric1 November 13, 2014 (6:39 pm)

I have heard that Century Link 1 gig isn’t all that great. Of course, I use Comcast since in Arbor Heights, CL is like 3 Mbps so you have to have Comcast for decent internet. I have grown to despise Comcast so I’ll at least try out CL.
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That being said, Comcast and Century Link is like the choice between Democrats and Republicans. Kind of feels good on the surface but it always feels like you have been hosed by them after the fact.

Ahmed November 13, 2014 (7:12 pm)

All this seems to be wishful thinking. Comcast has the monopoly because it’s fast, easy to configure and less interruptions. Until there is a new kid on the block, I’ll stick to what serve my needs: hustle-free, blasting fast internet service.

Rose November 13, 2014 (7:24 pm)

WSB: I thought posting this would get to them quicker. I also don’t think I will get through to them by calling CL any quicker than I would get through to Comcast on anything like this. But, I am going to call. They really are being reckless….

WSB November 13, 2014 (7:41 pm)

We are read widely but you just can’t ever guarantee that any particular thing is or will be seen … I would also suggest trying the SDOT hotline since it sounds like it’s affecting right of way … that’s 206-684-ROAD. I don’t know if they answer at night but next time you see this happening …

Brian Wade November 13, 2014 (10:01 pm)

If you run a business in west seattle and need fast internet, give me a call. I can get you hooked up with the service you need without all the hassle.

http://www.caissontechnologies.com

tonenotvolume November 14, 2014 (7:36 am)

The devil is in the details. When I called CL about bundled pricing (required), it was $115 per month for fastest internet and tv. Not enough competition yet. Please respond if you discover a better deal.

StringCheese November 14, 2014 (10:21 am)

Any concrete word on the geographic boundaries where the 1gig service will be available?
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We recently tried to switch to CL at 20Mbps and are unable to stream to two devices without stoppage. This speed was only just made available in High Point. Only 1.5 was available before a few months ago. Luckily, we haven’t cancelled our Comcast service yet. Really disappointed with the speeds that come with the 20Mbps. A speed test done while one of us was streaming to an iPad and the other streaming to a computer actually clocked at less than 4Mbps with stuttering all over the place.
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I will be THRILLED to get rid of Comcast but CL is going to have to offer a lot faster service to make it work.

WSB November 14, 2014 (10:53 am)

SC, no, they won’t say, and I’ve asked them repeatedly now. Just “check the website.”

ed November 21, 2014 (4:05 pm)

While I essentially live in the horrible ‘Centurylink Zone’ (Highpoint) I haven’t been able to figure out who provides internet to the Southwest Library in West Seattle. I just did a speed test and pulled down 250mb/ps.

Does anyone know who provides this for them?

Sorry, comment time is over.