The Inyo County Board of Supervisors has expressed its support for grant applications submitted by local telecommunications providers Stimulus Technologies and Frontier Communications. The aim is to enhance high-speed broadband Internet access across the county.
The grants, if approved, would facilitate the delivery of reliable and affordable broadband services from Bishop to Death Valley. This initiative seeks to bridge the digital divide that often leaves certain regions economically disadvantaged and disconnected from essential services.
“Successful grant applications will be a vital step forward for Inyo County,” stated Board Chairperson Scott Marcellin. “Access to broadband is essential for education, healthcare, economic development, and public safety. We are fully committed to supporting efforts that bring reliable Internet to every resident, no matter how remote their location.”
Stimulus Technologies has submitted a comprehensive application for Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding throughout Inyo County. Additionally, they have applied for Federal Funding Account/Last Mile Program Round 2 funding targeting specific areas including Big Pine, Independence, Alabama Hills, Keeler and Darwin, Tecopa, and Death Valley.
The BEAD program is a federal initiative under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), managed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). It allocates $42.45 billion to states and territories for expanding high-speed Internet access through planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption programs.
The FFA Last Mile Program is overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) as part of California’s Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account. Its goal is to fund last-mile broadband infrastructure projects connecting individual homes and businesses in rural or hard-to-reach areas.
In addition to supporting Stimulus Technologies’ applications for BEAD grants and FFA Last Mile Program grants, Inyo County also backs Frontier Communications’ applications under the same program with Golden State Connect Authority to expand service in Bishop and Lone Pine areas.
