03/10/10

BOISE, Idaho (AP) _ Small Internet service providers want Idaho
to delay a statewide educational broadband network, arguing Qwest
Communications Co. is building it in a way that hurts their
businesses and will eventually add to state costs.

The Idaho Education Network, due to cost up to $60 million,
links public schools, universities and businesses over a high-speed
network.

ISPs including Coeur d'Alene's Intermax Networks contend Qwest
has abandoned initial commitments to work with them to construct
the last communication link to local schools.

Mike Kennedy, an Intermax spokesman, wants legislative budget
writers this Friday to delay spending authority on $3 million that
Qwest needs to continue.

Gary Lough, a network spokesman, says companies like Kennedy's
aim to change the rules long after the project started.


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