Pāhala has become the first community on Hawaiʻi Island with full access to Hawaiian Telcom’s fiber internet services.
The utility, which is the state’s only provider of fiber internet, says it can now offer high-speed service to all residents and businesses in the 96777 zip code.
Hawaiian Telcom said in a news release that expanding fiber internet is part of an effort to bring “digital equity” to Hawaiʻi.
“The place you call home shouldn’t limit your access to education, housing, healthcare and other opportunities,” Hawai‘i County Mayor Mitch Roth said in a statement.
“Mahalo to Hawaiian Telcom for continuing to invest in Hawai‘i Island so our residents and businesses have access to online resources that enhance our quality of life here and enable our residents to thrive.”
Kealia and Lāwa‘i on Kauaʻi and Lāna‘i already have full access to Hawaiian Telcom’s fiber internet.
“We’re proud to continue making a positive impact by increasing digital equity and enabling as many homes and businesses with fiber internet service as quickly as we can,” Hawaiian Telcom President Su Shin said in a statement. “Access to broadband is essential and empowering, especially for our rural communities.”
The utility has spent more than $1 billion since 2010 to expand and maintain its fiber footprint.
