Starlink satellite internet approved for Walla Walla County deputies
By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, April 21st, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – In a bid to eliminate dangerous communication dead zones, the Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners voted 2-1 on Monday to approve the purchase of Starlink satellite internet terminals for Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office (WWCSO) patrol vehicles.
The decision followed an extensive re-evaluation of the project’s scope and funding. Technology Services Director Chad Goodhue and WWCSO officials presented a revised plan that significantly reduced initial overhead by assigning units to specific deputies rather than every vehicle.
The original proposal estimated a first-year cost of $64,511 for 33 units. However, the approved revised plan scales the project down to 27 Starlink units and 20 installations, bringing the first-year total to $41,890. This figure accounts for a $12,668 offset saved by switching cellular providers from Verizon to T-Mobile.
Commissioners Gunner Fulmer and Bertha Clayton voted in favor, citing officer safety as the primary catalyst.
“The guys and gals have to be able to go out and do their job, and they currently can’t, in full,” Fulmer noted. “I mean, they do the best they can. In my opinion, that’s not good enough. We need to be able to cover that. If we’re paving the way for Eastern Washington, then great, let’s pave the way.”
Commissioner Todd Kimball cast the lone dissenting vote. While supportive of the technology, Kimball argued that neither the general fund nor the law and justice fund is currently in a financial position to absorb the cost.
“Until we have a plan to pay for it, I think we need to wait,” Kimball said.
The project will be initially funded through Walla Walla County Tech Services, with costs billed back to various county funds to enhance efficiency and safety across the region.
WWCSO photo shows a patrol vehicle with a Starlink mini unit
