Coeur d’Alene-based NewMax LLC, which does business as Intermax Networks, is expanding its coverage area into to Lincoln County, Washington, says Jame Davis, sales and marketing manager for the company.

“It will be our first time expanding our footprint into Lincoln County,” says Davis of the regional provider of residential and commercial internet, phone, and information technology-managed services.

The expanded service area will provide fast internet access to residents, businesses, and institutions in the communities of Almira, Creston, and Harrington. The project is expected to create nearly 600 new connections to high-speed service.

Lincoln County has received substantial grants to build out the infrastructure needed for high-speed internet providers to step into the region and provide services, says Davis.

The Lincoln County Development Council, which oversees receiving and dispersing those funds, couldn’t be reached immediately for comment.

“The infrastructure is a huge expense, which makes it difficult for providers to go into these areas,” Davis says. The installation of the fiber networks, conduits, and other infrastructure is currently under construction and is expected to be completed by year-end. Intermax Networks will pay for the last step in installation.

Lincoln County is a neighboring county to the west of Spokane County. It encompasses 2,339 square miles of land and had a population of just under 11,000 as of the 2020 U.S. Census.

Intermax Networks was founded in Sandpoint, Idaho, in 2001 and is headquartered in Coeur d’Alene at 7400 N. Mineral Drive. The company has 80 employees based at its Spokane Valley, Coeur d’Alene, and Sandpoint offices combined. Its service area includes parts of North Idaho, Eastern Washington, and Central Washington.