Idaho
Future Proofing the Treasury Valley
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure (Middle Mile) Program awarded a $6.2 million grant to Syringa Networks, LLC. This grant impacts Canyon, Owyhee, and Ada counties. This project will help address gaps in the rural Treasury Valley and connect eight cities across a 76-mile fiber backbone and, like all middle mile projects, will be required to use ‘future proof’ technology like fiber.
76
mile fiber backbone to connect across 8 cities
$6.2 million
to impact counties in Idaho
Library Listening Sessions
As part of the Digital Access Planning Grant, the Idaho Commission for Libraries hosted 17 listening sessions attended by over 90 Idahoans from the communities of Grangeville, Burley, Lemhi County, and others. These sessions brought awareness of digital access needs across Idaho and provided an opportunity to hear concerns around availability, affordability, and cybersecurity.
Promoting Digital Access in Idaho
As part of the grant for Digital Access Planning activities, the Idaho Commission for Libraries, in conjunction with the Idaho Department of Commerce, worked with the University of Idaho to hold multiple Readying Rural Idaho Workshop meetings in Ketchum, Moscow, and Twin Falls.
Local Engagements to Promote Broadband
NTIA hosted a local coordination event with the State of Idaho on November 15 and 16, 2023. Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth (OICG) Deputy Associate Administrator for Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Evan Feinman kicked off proceedings, which included more than 150 people in attendance from across Idaho and NTIA. Sessions addressed broadband infrastructure, telehealth, workforce, covered populations, and community planning.
Connecting the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation and Nez Perce Tribe
NTIA’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) awarded the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation a $22.48 million grant to connect over 400 unserved households. The TBCP also awarded $500,000 to the Nez Perce Tribe. NTIA and the state engaged with and presented to Idaho Tribes to keep them informed about the TBCP program and opportunities to improve Internet access on Tribal lands.