Idaho Broadband Advisory Board (IBAB)
This is the beginning of my second year on the Idaho Broadband Advisory Board (IBAB). It “is responsible for structuring, prioritizing and dispersing state and federal grants, which will enhance connectivity across the state and address equal access to economic development, telework, public safety, telehealth and education.” Broadband connectivity across Idaho is relatively poor compared to other states and “Idaho currently ranks 40th among states in BroadbandNow’s annual rankings of internet coverage, speed and availability.” This board aims to improve connectivity across Idaho so that everyone has access to the opportunities that come with broadband. We are particularly concerned with unserved and underserved areas.
Broadband connectivity provides many opportunities for Idaho, such as linking rural Idaho to a global marketplace, giving students and families the tools they need to succeed, connecting health care and first responders, and much more. This is extremely important work, and I hope to help connect more people to high-speed broadband across Idaho.
While some of the money used for this critical effort comes from the state, the vast majority of funding comes from the Biden administration through the American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The Biden administration seeks to connect everyone in America to affordable and high-speed Internet by 2030. I’m happy to help fulfill that vision.