A special legislative committee studying broadband access in Idaho is seeking input from vendors who provide broadband services who’d like to address the committee. “We both definitely see the value in having the testimony of those who know the industry and who are innovating new tools for the use of technology,” said Rep. Luke Malek, R-Coeur d’Alene, co-chair of the committee. His Senate co-chair, Sen. Dean Mortimer, R-Idaho Falls, said the panel will take care to avoid giving any preference to any vendor. “Especially given the contention around this issue in the past, it is critical that no vendor gets any sort of preferential treatment,” he said.

The two lawmakers are asking vendors to contact them or Brooke Brourman with the Legislative Services Office, (208) 334-4859, by Aug. 4 to indicate interest and how much time they’d need for a presentation. The panel’s next meeting hasn’t yet been set, but it’s likely to be later in August.