Introduction

This analysis examines Idaho's broadband initiatives, focusing on the Idaho Broadband Advisory Board (IBAB) Strategic Plan and the Idaho Broadband Strategic Plan. Despite the substantial investment of $120 million from the Idaho Capital Projects Fund and an additional $583 million from the federal BEAD program, these documents reveal a troubling lack of concrete strategies to benefit rural Idaho and small businesses. The absence of specific mentions or initiatives targeting small businesses and rural communities in these plans is particularly striking given the scale of the investment.