Lawmakers Consider Refunding Idaho’s Broadband Network

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — More questions than answers hang around Idaho lawmakers grappling over the now defunct statewide school broadband access program.

A legislative interim committee met Tuesday to begin determining whether the Idaho Legislature should attempt a new statewide broadband program. Idaho's broadband program dissolved earlier this year after a district judge ruled the $60 million contract that created the system was illegal. This left individual school districts scrambling to secure their own broadband access contracts for the upcoming school year.

School officials have repeatedly echoed that providing broadband access is just as crucial as providing electricity or running water. However, lawmakers are still deciding the extent of the state's involvement in any future efforts.