QLife is expanding its fiber network to bring high-speed broadband service directly to more homes and businesses in The Dalles.

For more than two decades, QLife has owned and operated public fiber infrastructure that supports local government, schools, healthcare, businesses, and communications providers across our region. Now, we are building on that foundation to make QLife fiber service available directly to more members of our community.

Want to know when QLife reaches your neighborhood? Sign up for our newsletter to be among the first to know when service becomes available in your area.

What Is QLife?

QLife is a locally governed intergovernmental agency owned by the City of The Dalles, Wasco County, and Northern Wasco County People’s Utility District.

QLife was created in 2001 with a simple purpose: invest in telecommunications infrastructure that supports economic and community development in Wasco County and the Mid-Columbia region.

That work began with a fiber network connecting important community institutions. Over the years, the network has expanded to support public agencies, healthcare, education, local businesses, internet service providers, and other organizations that depend on reliable connectivity.

Today, QLife is taking the next step by expanding fiber directly to homes and businesses.

What’s Coming?

QLife is beginning a phased fiber-to-the-premise expansion in The Dalles.

Rather than building the entire network at once, we are expanding neighborhood by neighborhood. This approach allows QLife to manage construction responsibly, use existing infrastructure where possible, coordinate closely with Northern Wasco County PUD, and continue planning for future expansion.

As construction progresses, homes and businesses within each service area will become eligible to connect to the QLife fiber network.

Not every neighborhood will become available at the same time. That is why signing up for QLife updates is the best way to follow the project and find out when service reaches your area.

Why Fiber?

Fiber-optic infrastructure is built for the growing amount of data our homes and businesses use every day.

Fiber can support:

• Fast internet speeds
• Strong upload and download performance
• Reliable connections for working and learning from home
• Streaming, gaming, video conferencing, and connected devices
• Growing technology needs for homes and businesses
• Long-term community infrastructure needs

QLife is building infrastructure designed to serve our community for many years to come.

What Makes QLife Different?

QLife is locally owned and locally governed.

Decisions about the network are made here by representatives of the City of The Dalles, Wasco County, and Northern Wasco County PUD. The infrastructure QLife builds remains a community asset.

That local structure means our work is guided by the needs of the communities we serve, with a focus on responsible investment, reliable infrastructure, competitive service, and long-term value.

QLife is also working closely with Northern Wasco County PUD to make thoughtful use of existing infrastructure and coordinate construction wherever possible. This includes a one-trench approach that looks for opportunities to install telecommunications infrastructure alongside other utility projects rather than repeatedly opening the same streets and rights-of-way.

When Will Service Be Available at My Address?

QLife is currently moving through engineering, permitting, construction, and network deployment in phases.

Availability will depend on where your home or business is located and the construction schedule for that area.

As individual areas get closer to service, we will share more information about:

• Construction activity in your neighborhood
• Expected service availability
• Internet plans and pricing
• How to sign up for service
• Installation and connection details

Be the First to Know

Interested in QLife fiber?

Join the QLife newsletter to receive project updates and be among the first to know when service becomes available in your area.

We are looking forward to connecting more of our community.