Op-Ed

In the digital age, access to reliable and high-speed broadband is no longer a luxury but a necessity for communities to thrive. The Idaho Broadband Advisory Board is working to extend broadband service in Idaho. As a member, I understand that the rural landscapes of Idaho often find themselves on the wrong side of the digital divide. I recognize the importance broadband infrastructure plays in the prosperity of rural Idaho and our urgent need for increased funding in this critical area.

I have worked for years to address these short comings and I’m proud to announce that the committee recently approved several projects that will invest in rural broadband. In Custer County we approved a $3.9 million dollar request from Custer TelCo and in Valley County we approved a $9 million dollar request from Ziply Fiber. Additionally, several months ago, we approved a project to connect Star to Grangeville to improve connectivity on the Highway 55 corridor. These projects in Valley, Boise, and Custer County will increase access to those Idahoans who need it most. I’m encouraged that more funding may be coming that will further extend our ability to improve connectivity in rural Idaho.

Rural Idahoans face unique challenges. Limited access to broadband hampers economic development, educational opportunities, and healthcare accessibility. As industries increasingly rely on digital platforms, Idaho rural businesses struggle to compete without the robust connectivity available to their urban counterparts. Bridging this digital gap is not merely a matter of convenience but is central to ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens.

Addressing the broadband gap is an investment in the economic and social fabric of rural Idaho. Increased connectivity attracts businesses, fosters innovation, and stimulates economic growth. It empowers entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to fruition, creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire community. Broadband funding is an essential step toward building a resilient and self-sustaining rural economy.

To achieve these benefits, as your representative, I will continue prioritize increased funding for broadband infrastructure in rural Idaho. Working together to develop comprehensive plans that address the unique challenges of our rural communities and allocating available dollars accordingly, these investments will not only align with our shared values of equal opportunity, but also positions Idaho for a stronger, more connected future.

Broadband access is not a luxury reserved for urban centers; it is a lifeline that empowers rural communities, fostering economic growth, enhancing education, and improving healthcare outcomes. It is our collective responsibility to bridge the digital divide in rural Idaho, ensuring that every citizen has the opportunity to participate in and contribute to the digital era. The time to act is now. With strategic broadband funding, we can build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

Rep.Megan Blanksma

House Majority Leader

District 8

Boise, Custer, Elmore, and Valley Counties