Broadband Reimbursement Program
The Broadband Reimbursement Program supports Idaho K-12 schools by helping offset eligible broadband service costs. The program is designed to improve internet access, strengthen digital learning opportunities, and support reliable connectivity for students and educators across the state.
Broadband access plays a critical role in modern education by supporting classroom instruction, online learning resources, communication systems, and administrative operations. This program helps schools maintain and expand access to essential digital infrastructure.
Broadband Reimbursement Program
Internet and WAN services eligible for E-Rate may also be eligible for reimbursement through the Broadband Reimbursement Program.
Eligible invoices can be uploaded each month. State broadband reimbursements are processed each December and June. To make arrangements, contact broadband@edu.idaho.gov.
Reimbursement Requirements
To qualify for broadband reimbursements each December and June, schools must:
- Be an E-Rate eligible entity as defined in Idaho Code § 33-5602(2)(c)
- Follow applicable state procurement law and E-Rate competitive bidding requirements (Idaho § 33-5604 (7))
- Make a good-faith effort to apply for and receive E-Rate funding each year (Idaho § 33-5604 (2)(b))
- Provide relevant ongoing documentation to the Broadband Program, including Internet service contracts, Internet service invoices, and service utilization data. (Idaho § 33-5604 (3))
- Bandwidth speeds are within the EORC-recommended threshold (see below)
Please note that the only E-Rate services and hardware eligible for state reimbursement are limited to: Category 1 Internet Access, Data Transmission (WAN), one-time costs, special construction, and network hardware.
Recommended Bandwidth Levels Preapproved for Reimbursement (Not applicable to WAN)
This table confirms the amount of bandwidth recommended by the Education Opportunity Resource Committee for Idaho schools based on the size of their user base (total students and staff as reported in ISEE). LEAs are automatically approved for reimbursement up to the maximum recommended amount.
| User Count | Recommended Minimum | Recommended Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| 499 Users or below | 100 Mbps | Up to 1 Gbps. If 1 Gbps, the total monthly cost must be equal to or less than $2,000/mo, and $2.00 per Mbps (Mbps ÷ MRC) |
| At least 500 | 1 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
| At least 1,500 | 1 Gbps | 2 Gbps |
| At least 3,000 | 1 Gbps | 5 Gbps |
| At least 6,000 | 1 Gbps | Up to 10 Gbps, or 1 Mbps/User |
| At least 15,000 | 1 Gbps | Up to 20 Gbps, or 1 Mbps/User |
| At least 35,000 | 1 Gbps | Up to 40 Gbps, or 1 Mbps/User |
- If your bandwidth is higher than the recommended maximum, you are still eligible to receive a partial state reimbursement based on the confirmed or estimated pricing of the maximum amount.
- To receive full reimbursements for bandwidth higher than the maximum recommended amount, LEAs must submit an appeal to the Education Opportunity Resource Committee (EORC) and provide bandwidth data to support the request.
- One-time costs can be reimbursed by the Broadband Program. If the state portion exceeds $5,000, the reimbursement must first be approved by EORC. This also applies to special construction costs not covered by E-Rate and the state fiber grant.
- Broadband Reimbursement is not available for Bus Wi-Fi or for Hotspots
To submit an appeal, LEAs must first contact the Program Coordinator: 208-332-6892, or broadband@edu.idaho.gov. The appeal must be in letter form and submitted to the program coordinator prior to the next scheduled meeting.
About EORC
The Education Opportunity Resource Committee is directed by 33-5604 to make resources and funding available to Idaho LEAs for Internet Access, Wide-area network, and related services when available funding allows (related services include items required to participate in E-Rate and utilize service, such as but not limited to content filters, cybersecurity needs, or E-Rate consultant fees).
As of September 2024, the Education Opportunity Resource Committee is comprised of the following individuals in each role as listed in Idaho Code §33-5603:
| EORC Member | Details |
|---|---|
| Chris Campbell |
|
| Dean Reich |
|
| Norm Stewart |
|
| David Carson |
|
| Scott Wolstenhume |
|
| Dylan Baker |
|
| Keven Denton |
|
| Dan Smith |
|
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