Building Idaho’s Future with Broadband

Since 2019, Governor Brad Little (R-ID) and the Idaho legislature have taken many steps to improve broadband access in the state. Through investment of federal and state funding, Idaho has been able to connect tens of thousands of underserved households in the state, the majority of which are in rural communities of less than 3,000 residents. Policymakers there have primarily focused on the digital divide between urban and rural areas. Inadequate access to high-speed internet disadvantages Idahoans who choose to live in rural parts of our state. Expansion of broadband to rural Idaho is seen as critical for several reasons including economic growth, educational opportunities, business growth and increased access to telemedicine, improved public safety, and services. A continued effort to expand access to reliable and redundant broadband infrastructure will create more employment options for Idahoans. Idaho’s Broadband Advisory Board wants citizens to have both the opportunity and access to launch online businesses, expand their customer reach, or work remotely.