Whidbey Online launches multi-gig fixed-wireless service in Oak Harbor

Whidbey Online launched multi-gig fixed-wireless service in Oak Harbor on Feb. 20, 2026, saying it already serves the majority of the city and will expand service islandwide. The operation is presented as an expansion of Orcas Online, which has provided internet to the San Juan Islands for the last 25 years, and Whidbey Online's announcement says surrounding areas will follow.

The company describes its engineering choice plainly: "Fixed wireless solutions used by the provider mean that homes within view of any of Whidbey Online’s network sites can receive multi-gig internet through the air, eliminating the need for cables." That line-of-sight requirement means customers must be within view of one of the provider's network sites; the company has not published a street-level coverage map or the addresses of those sites.

Project manager Ron Claus framed the service as locally focused, saying, "We provide the local heart and technical experience, while they provide the proven technical backbone and decades of expertise." Claus added that "Whidbey Online’s pricing is competitive but emphasized that its service is what sets it apart from large corporations. The provider is easily reachable, he explained, and tends to outages even outside of business hours."

Whidbey Online also highlights customer-friendly policies aimed at second-home owners. The company's website states it "specializes in supporting part-time residents," allowing customers to "suspend (their) internet and billing" while they are traveling. The firm has not published the full terms for suspension windows, reactivation times, or any associated fees.

Oak Harbor's internet market already includes several alternatives. Xfinity cable is advertised with download speeds up to 2,000 Mbps and a promotional price listed through Feb. 22, 2026; Ziply Fiber markets fiber-optic service for Oak Harbor with advertising that includes a 1-866 sign-up line (1.866.699.4759) and claims of fiber speeds and no-contract offerings; T-Mobile 5G Home Internet lists speeds up to 498 Mbps and an order line at 833-469-4276; Verizon 5G Home Internet lists up to 300 Mbps; Starlink satellite lists up to 300 Mbps with an order line at 833-970-5017; Whidbey Telecom and other DSL providers show speeds up to 50 Mbps in local listings. Some aggregated listings also cite an Xfinity Mobile phone promotion ending Feb. 24, 2026.

Key operational details remain unpublished. Whidbey Online has not released specific monthly prices, distinct plan tiers in Mbps or Gbps, installation or equipment charges, or the number and locations of its network sites. The company's Instagram announcement reads in part, "We're currently serving Oak Harbor and expanding citywide, with surrounding areas coming soon. Our goal is simple: deliver fast, reliable", the post ends mid-sentence in the version available to the outlet.

Residents interested in switching have immediate options to call competitors or check providers' sign-up lines, Ziply Fiber at 1.866.699.4759, T-Mobile at 833-469-4276, Starlink at 833-970-5017, and can monitor Whidbey Online's website and Instagram for plan and coverage updates. Photo used in the local announcement carries the credit: Photo by David Welton.