High Stakes for High Speed: Q-Life’s $10.4M Bid

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Oct 7

By Tom Peterson

The Dalles, Ore., Sept. 15, 2025 — Q-Life Network is seeking $10.4 million in federal funding to expand fiberoptic broadband across Wasco County, a project that could deliver high-speed internet to thousands of residents, schools and businesses.

Proponents of broadband access say it fuels economic well-being by connecting people to jobs, education and modern business tools while supporting entrepreneurship and competitiveness. At the community level, strong broadband raises property values, attracts investment, expands healthcare through telemedicine, and ensures small towns remain resilient and regionally competitive.

“For too long, rural families and small businesses have been left behind,” said Q-Life Executive Director Liz Lance. She added that the investment would help residents “connect, work, learn and thrive in the digital age—no matter where they live.”

The application, submitted through the state of Oregon to the U.S. Department of Commerce, is part of the national Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. While the Oregon Broadband Office has recommended Q-Life’s proposal for funding, final approval rests with federal officials after a public comment period and state review.

The BEAD program is the largest federal investment in high-speed internet in U.S. history, with $42 billion allocated nationwide and $689 million directed to Oregon. The state’s plan prioritizes affordability and coverage for areas where private investment has lagged.

QLife Chronology

Q-Life, formed in 2002 by the City of The Dalles and Wasco County, built a 17-mile fiber backbone that today serves residents, businesses, government offices and Columbia Gorge Community College. Northern Wasco County People’s Utility District joined Q-Life in 2024, strengthening its technical capacity ahead of larger-scale buildouts.

Local leaders say the broadband expansion could rival rural electrification in its impact.

In July of 2024, PUD Executive Director Roger Kline Joined the Q-Life board. “The values of NWCPUD and Q-Life are closely intertwined. We learned during the pandemic that reliable access to internet is just as essential as access to reliable power,” he said at the time.

Just three months later the board hired Liz Lance as its first Executive Director. Lance brought over a decade of strategic technology leadership experience to Q-Life, most recently serving as Chief of Staff at Performica, where she led interdisciplinary collaboration and strategic planning across departments in a dynamic startup environment.

Just 9 months after her hire, Q-Life is now making an historic push to transform Wasco County in coming years.

“Expanding broadband in Wasco County is one of the most important investments our region has seen since the rural electrification in the 1930s,” said Lee Weinstein, Q-Life board president. He said the project would “improve student access, attract jobs, expand telehealth and strengthen community connections.”

What’s next: The Oregon Broadband Office has opened a seven-day public comment period on recommended awards. After reviewing feedback, the state will finalize its proposal and submit it to the Department of Commerce. Construction priorities and timelines would be set if funding is approved.