Awards recognize the broadband service provider’s leadership and innovative partnership that helped it earn a $10.4 million federal grant
The Dalles/Wasco County, Ore. — November 7, 2025 — QLife Network, a broadband service provider in Wasco County, was recognized with three awards at the 29th annual Oregon Telecommunications Connections Conference in Hood River last week.
QLife received the Excellence in Telecommunications Partnerships Award for its collaborative model uniting the services of Wasco County, the City of The Dalles, and Northern Wasco County People’s Utility District (PUD) to expand broadband access in the Columbia River Gorge.
Executive Director Dr. Liz Lance was named Emerging Telecommunications Leader, recognizing her early and substantial impact in securing more than $10 million in federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding to expand fiber broadband service to nearly 1,000 addresses in Wasco County.
And, QLife Board president Lee Weinstein received the Outstanding Telecommunications Advocate Award for his leadership in revitalizing QLife and championing broadband access and digital literacy across the Mid-Columbia region.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by our industry peers,” Lance said. “These awards recognize not just QLife, but the community partners who believed in our vision to bridge the digital divide. The real win goes to the families and businesses in the Mid-Columbia region, who will have access to broadband service thanks to our recent funding award.”
“QLife has become a model for how local governments and public utilities can work together to deliver reliable, affordable broadband in areas often overlooked by large providers,” said Jim Teece, Board President of the Oregon Connections Telecommunications Conference.
BEAD funding to expand access to broadband in the Gorge
In September, QLife was awarded $10.4 million in BEAD funding from the Oregon Broadband Office, representing the largest grant in its 23-year history. The BEAD program is the largest single federal investment in high-speed internet ever made, with more than $42 billion allocated to states and territories. Administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the program targets unserved and underserved locations.
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About QLife
QualityLife Intergovernmental Agency (QLife) delivers fast, reliable and affordable internet to Wasco County. Established in 2002, QLife operates a 17-mile fiber optic network in The Dalles, Ore., to support local businesses, schools, public agencies and families. With a goal to connect every household, school and business in Wasco County to affordable, reliable internet service, QLife is helping residents thrive in a digital age. Learn more: qlife.net
About the Oregon Connections Telecommunications Conference
The annual Oregon Connections Telecommunications Conference draws nearly 300 attendees from all regions of the state to share ideas, experience, and knowledge about telecommunications. The conference features speakers, panels, group discussions and networking covering a wide range of topics impacting the telecommunications industry. Learn more: https://oregonconnections.info
Photo: QLife Network Board Members and Executive Director Dr. Liz Lance celebrate winning three awards at the 2025 Oregon Connections Telecommunications Conference. Photo courtesy of QLife Network.