Here’s a link to my full story at spokesman.com on the ruling in the Syringa Networks lawsuit, in which the $60 million contract for a statewide school broadband network – one of Idaho Gov. Butch Otter’s proudest achievements – was voided after a judge ruled it was awarded illegally. The ruling leaves the fate of the five-year-old broadband and video-conferencing network in limbo, along with the tens of millions of dollars already spent on the project linking Idaho high schools, dubbed the Idaho Education Network.

Education Networks of America and Qwest, now known as CenturyLink, the two firms that got the contract, could end up the biggest losers in the deal. The judge cited an Idaho law that says when a state contract is issued illegally, all money paid by the state under the contract “shall be repaid forthwith.” Spokesmen for both companies didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday. But Garry Lough, Idaho sales director for ENA, told Idaho Education News his firm “will focus on continuing to provide stellar service as we allow time for the process to run its course.” You can see reporter Kevin Richert’s full report here.