Inyo County California

Independence, CA — The Inyo County Board of Supervisors announces its support for federal and state grant applications submitted by two local telecommunications providers, Stimulus Technologies and Frontier Communications, to improve high-speed broadband Internet access throughout the county.

It is hoped the funding can be used to deliver reliable, high-speed, and affordable broadband to communities from Bishop to Death Valey, helping close the digital divide that can often leave certain areas economically disadvantaged and disconnected from essential services.

“Successful grant applications will be a vital step forward for Inyo County,” said 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 submitted a wide-ranging grant application for Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding throughout Inyo County, as well as individual grant applications for Federal Funding Account/Last Mile Program, Round 2 funding targeting broadband deployment in the Big Pine, Independence, Alabama Hills, Keeler and Darwin, Tecopa, and Death Valley areas.

BEAD is a federal initiative under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), managed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). It provides $42.45 billion to states and territories to expand high-speed Internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment, and adoption programs. 

The FFA Last Mile Program is administered by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) as part of California’s Broadband Infrastructure Grant Account. It aims to fund last-mile broadband infrastructure projects that connect individual homes and businesses – especially in rural, low-income, or hard-to-reach areas.

In addition to the Stimulus Technologies’ BEAD grant and FFA Last Mile Program grant applications, Inyo County has expressed its support for Frontier Communications’ and Golden State Connect Authority's grant applications under the latter program to specifically expand service in the Bishop and Lone Pine areas.

“Support of these efforts reflects the County’s ongoing commitment to achieving universal broadband access and promoting digital inclusion for all Inyo County residents,” said Regional Broadband Coordinator Scott Armstrong.