Senate hears expert testimony on EdNet; bill seeks $500,000 state match to unlock federal grant

During a committee-of-the-whole session on the Senate floor, legislators heard testimony from University of Utah and EdNet representatives about plans to expand an interactive microwave network (EdNet) to rural high schools across Utah.

University witness Mr. Ridges and Willard Gardner described a multi-year build-out that currently connects higher education units, some high schools and community colleges. Ridges said 25 sites are already fully functional and the master plan seeks to connect the remaining rural high schools. He described a pending federal funding application to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for about $700,000; that federal grant would require a state/local match that Senator Levitt’s bill would provide.

Senators discussed whether to move forward with the appropriation now or wait for an accompanying statewide study (a separate bill, SB142, was mentioned) and whether anticipated funds (some referenced as IPP tax proceeds) were certain given potential litigation. Senator Levitt said the federal match funding was lined up and that the state portion would be one-time money to unlock matching federal funds. Other senators asked questions about overlap with private carriers (US West) and whether the equipment would be compatible or duplicative of fiber projects; witnesses replied the microwave and fiber systems could be complementary.

Senate action at the end of the discussion was to circle the bill for further consideration; sponsors also circulated an amendment to clarify funding and matching arrangements.

Provenance: University and EdNet testimony and floor discussion are recorded during committee-of-the-whole remarks and subsequent floor actions on Feb. 22.