The Information Technology Resource Management Council (ITRMC) and the Department of Administration has launched the Idaho Telecommunications Provider Map Website, which identifies broadband availability throughout Idaho.
The new website found on the state’s official web portal, Access Idaho, was made possible through a collaborative effort between the ITRMC, the State of Idaho, and Idaho’s telecommunication providers including both large and small telephone companies, cable and satellite suppliers.
“A major purpose of the ITRMC is to promote cooperative information technology efforts between the state, private enterprise and the public,” said Pam Ahrens, ITRMC Chairman and Director of the Department of Administration. This application provides an online information service to Idahoans, and supports Governor Kempthorne’s focus on using broadband technology to revitalize rural economies in our state, she added.
The website has been in development for a year and offers citizens and businesses the means to locate specific telecom service providers and a link to determine telecommunication services available in their areas, whether they live in a large Idaho city or one of Idaho’s rural communities. Users may search the site by geographic location or by identifying cities or counties. Telecommunication providers can also access the site to update and keep their information current.
Companies who invest in broadband services in Idaho receive a three-percent tax credit. Idaho was one of the first states in the nation to specifically provide tax credit incentives to encourage broadband development in its rural communities.
Supporting the website’s development include Qwest, Syringa Networks, Adelphia, Cable One, Century Tel, Charter Communications, Cox Communications, DirecWay, Frontier, Northland Cable, Starband, Teton Telecom, Troy TV Cable Co., USA Media, and Verizon. The website’s address is, http://itrmc.idaho.gov/services/index.cfm.