We’re working in Kootenai, Bonner, and Boundary counties to upgrade – and in some cases, build new – technology infrastructure to bring faster speeds to more people in North Idaho. Some of our projects are being partially funded through the county by the State of Idaho’s CARES Act funds. Those earmarked grants for Idaho municipalities are to help improve access to reliable internet service.
Seventeen broadband applications were approved by the Idaho Department of Commerce last week to help Kootenai County residents get better connected to broadband services like wireless internet and cell service. The county will now receive about $4.8 million. The grant program launched earlier this year aims to provide funding to public organizations to purchase and install broadband infrastructure, equipment and services for Idaho areas in need. Through the increased access to these services, the Department of Commerce hopes to strengthen Idaho’s distance learning resources, telehealth, public safety and e-commerce.
Of the 17 applications, Intermax has five that are close to completion including towers in Mason Butte, Rose Lake, Beck at State Line, Canfield in Hayden Lake and Powderhorn.
“We are focusing on the rural areas that often don’t get attention and are in critical need of connectivity,” said Mike Kennedy, Intermax president. “We have our work cut out for us, all of these projects must be completed before the end of this year – which is great news. The not so great news is that this construction – and the tight window to complete all of these projects – will require some scheduled outages for our existing customers in the next 90 days.”
In order to make sure that our customers are prepared for any outages that may affect them, Intermax has a website that outlines the construction and improvement projects. The site, www.intermaxnetworks.com/updates, will be updated with the most up-to-date information about construction plans. Customers should check that site frequently, the schedule may change due to weather or equipment delays.
To read more about the Department of Commerce CARES Act funds and projects visit https://cdapress.com/news/2020/oct/01/full-bars-kootenai-county/?fbclid=IwAR39kUMNlWikHsibGg63sbTWpRJxj5_47WAMj4h4pdJOqIve1Y_Yx6C2xKQ
