Spectrum tries to block UI broadband grants in N. Idaho

The University of Idaho is trying to increase broadband service in North Idaho, but is getting pushback from internet and cable operator Spectrum.

Through the Idaho Department of Commerce CFAC Broadband Grant Initiation Program for Public Safety and Local Government, the University of Idaho received a $401,412 CARES grant to improve broadband services in North Idaho.

With residents increasingly relying on broadband for school, resources, and work, the U of I wants to install 1,000 megabytes per second (1 gigabyte) to its Sandpoint Extension Office, the Sandpoint Organic Agriculture Center, the Bonners Ferry Extension Office, and the Kootenai Extension Office in Coeur d'Alene.

"Our grant, in particular, was focused on northern Idaho at our county extension sites," said Toni Broyles, University of Idaho's special assistant to the president for strategic initiatives. "While some areas already have strong wireless connection, there are parts of the southern part of Lake Coeur d'Alene that struggle to get service."

Part of the Department of Commerce's $50 million pool of CARES Act funding, the grant is specifically designed to encourage public organizations to expand access to wireless broadband services in Idaho's rural areas.

On Aug. 28, Gov. Brad Little announced the Department of Commerce awarded $48.9 million in federal coronavirus relief funds for 102 projects statewide. Of the 102 grants, 17 aimed to benefit Kootenai County, Broyles said.

Despite department approval, Spectrum Pacific West, an internet, phone, television, and wireless service provider, appealed all 17 grants to previously established county services. Until the appeal process is finalized, all potential programs cannot begin.

"If Spectrum has service in any area that received grant money, it was petitioned," Broyles said. "Any municipality, any government. I find it disappointing. While they are certainly in places in the state with strong coverage, larger companies don't offer services to the whole area."

All project work and expenses are reimbursed through CARES dollars. However, the services need to be fully operational by Dec. 15 to be repaid. If the U of I's projects are not completed in time, the university would have to pay out of pocket.

The Idaho Department of Commerce denied Spectrum's initial appeal. However, last Friday, the university was informed that Spectrum had filed an additional petition.

In a written statement, Spectrum said the university should not overbuild their infrastructure, which would go against project requirements set by the Department of Commerce.

“Spectrum strongly supports the Governor’s broadband vision for Idaho including the timely deployment of CARES Act funds to support rural and other areas that lack access to broadband,” said Bret Picciolo, senior director of communications for Spectrum’s parent company Charter Communications. “Subsidies to overbuild an existing provider are prohibited under the CARES Act and the Idaho program rules, which is why Spectrum has challenged these applications.”

The U of I pointed out that Spectrum's challenge lists that their service "offers speeds up to 940/35 Mbps service." According to the State of Idaho Public Broadband Grant Application: Public Safety and Local Government guidelines, projects through the grant money must be capable of "1,000 Mbps download and 1,000 Mbps upload."

"Idaho is a rural state," said Kathy Barnard of University of Idaho's communications and marketing department. "Especially in the state's widest reaches, it is increasingly important that everyone has a higher level of access."

The U of I said their proposed solution would meet the application's requirements and offers long-term benefits to both the university and the region.

When applying for the grant, Broyles said the university’s goal was to provide adults with professional development opportunities and establish better distance learning options for online courses. Increased broadband would also provide access to the community to aid elementary through high school students who need support and internet access in a COVID-free zone, Broyles said.

"Broadband access is access to everything a community and individual needs online," Barnard said.

U of I plans to respond to Spectrum's second appeal by today, after which it will be up to the Department of Commerce to approve or dismiss the claim.