Grangeville to Star Middle Mile Project

This project constructs 198-miles of fiber optic infrastructure connecting north and south Idaho.  Overall, this segment will facilitate connectivity of state and local communities to broadband services and opportunities, not currently available today.  Funding for this project is the result of public and private entities working together for the collective benefit of Idaho.  With the development of this north/south fiber optic segment:

  • It builds open access middle mile infrastructure that does not currently exist
  • It positions Idaho for competitive BEAD funding opportunities
  • It directly supports five counties and nine communities that are underserved today
  • It allows providers to compete for your business and offer services to areas within the state that were not previously available
  • It directly connects to the Idaho Regional Optical Network (IRON) serving Idaho’s non-profit community including education, research, hospitals, state and local government networks and services who are serving the citizens of Idaho
  • Is part of the Idaho’s Broadband Plan providing critical infrastructure needed for Idaho’s future economic prosperity and success

With the Salmon and Snake Rivers out our back door it is sometimes easy to forget how dependent we have all become on the internet, but it has become a necessity. An internet service that is reliable and affordable would be a huge advantage to our small community and the surrounding areas. Many of our small businesses along with future businesses would greatly benefit opening up doors to unseen opportunities.

Sandra Murphy, City Clerk/Treasurer, City of Whitebird

In today’s information-driven global economy, broadband connectivity is not simply an amenity – it has become essential. However, this connectivity is more than just connecting households, schools and universities, and healthcare centers to each other as well as the rest of the world through high-speed internet. Is is also a tool that enables increased productivity for Idaho’s farms, factories, forests, mining and small businesses. Connectivity is fundamental for economic development, innovation, advancements in technology, workforce readiness, and an improved quality of life.

Mike Tatko, Regional Buiness Manager, Lewis-Clark Region, Avista Utilities