Idaho Announces 43 Prequalified Applicants for BEAD Broadband Funding
Boise, Idaho — The Idaho Broadband Office has released a list of 43 organizations approved in the prequalification phase of the state’s Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The approvals were selected from 45 applications and represent a significant step toward expanding high-speed internet access throughout the state.
Prequalification does not guarantee final selection for funding, but it allows these organizations to submit project proposals once Idaho releases its BEAD application guidelines. The proposal window will remain open for 45 days following that release.
The state and its third-party consultants reviewed all submissions, including Tribal governments, public entities, and telecom providers. Thirteen applicants received provisional approval, meaning they have minor outstanding requirements to fulfill within 90 to 120 days.
The Prequalified Applicants
Among the 43 approved entities, notable national and statewide providers include:
Large ISPs and Providers:
- Amazon Kuiper Commercial Services, LLC
- Charter Spectrum
- Cox Communications
- SpaceX
- Ziply Fiber (including four regional Ziply entities)*
- Blackfoot Communications
- Fatbeam, LLC
- Anthem Broadband
- Intermax Networks
- Inland Cellular
In addition to these larger providers, 13 small regional telecoms and cooperatives were approved.
Small Regional Telecoms & Cooperatives:
- All West Communications Inc.
- ATC Communications Inc.
- Blackfoot (formerly Fremont Telcom Co.)
- Custer Telephone Cooperative Inc.
- Direct Communications Rockland Inc.
- Farmers Mutual Telephone Co.
- FyberCom
- Midvale Telephone Co.
- Millennium Networks, LLC
- Mud Lake Telephone Cooperative Assoc Inc.
- Project Mutual Telephone Cooperative Assoc Inc.
- Rally Networks (formerly Oregon Telephone Corp.)
- RTI (Rural Telecom Inc.)
These providers are typically more localized, serving rural and remote communities in Idaho. Their participation is essential to the BEAD program’s goal of closing the digital divide in hard-to-reach areas.
Tribal Governments
Tribal governments also had strong representation, with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Nez Perce Tribe, Shoshone Bannock Tribes, and Shoshone Paiute Tribes all earning prequalification status.
*Provisional approval granted
Scoring and What’s Next
As Idaho prepares to open its BEAD application phase in the second quarter of 2025, the state has reiterated its proposal scoring criteria. Key factors include the amount of matching funds, cost-effectiveness, affordability, deployment speed, and commitments to labor standards and community coordination — with specific point allocations for each.
The Idaho Broadband Office encourages all prequalified applicants to prepare their proposals and monitor the state’s broadband resources for forthcoming updates. Full program details and ongoing coverage can be found on the Link Up Idaho page from the Idaho Commerce Department.
More on Public Broadband
- More of our recent stories about BEAD and public broadband programs
- For up-to-date information on the $42 billion BEAD Program, check Brander Group’s BEAD funding progress dashboard
