The Governor’s Office has announced a $300 million federal funding approval aimed at enhancing broadband access across Montana. This initiative, backed by the U.S. Department of Commerce, forms part of a broader effort by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to boost internet availability nationwide. Governor Greg Gianforte emphasized Montana’s commitment to securing essential resources to extend broadband services to underserved regions.
The Communications Advisory Commission in Montana gave the green light to the broadband plan in August. This project will see substantial investment in internet services from major players like Amazon and SpaceX’s StarLink. However, these companies have not provided any comments regarding the BEAD awards.
Some fiber optic companies have encountered challenges in completing projects, attributed to issues such as conflicts with railroad companies. Changes in federal program rules led to a rapid response requirement, focusing on speed and scalability. The committee had just 90 days to resubmit the BEAD application, a task they undertook last summer.
“We were proud that Montana was the first state to open its BEAD application portal back on August 13, 2024, and are thrilled to again be one of the first states to receive NTIA approval to deploy BEAD funding,” stated Department of Administration Director Misty Ann Giles. She noted the extensive process necessary to connect unserved and underserved Montanans, expressing excitement to begin work.
The funding will involve 19 service providers and 32 projects, targeting over 68,000 unserved and underserved “Broadband Serviceable Locations.” Additionally, the initiative will support more than 180 community anchor institutions, such as health service offices, high schools, police and fire departments, and libraries.
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