Montana gets federal approval for new broadband program

(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Commerce has approved Montana’s proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.

Thursday’s action allows Montana to request over $628 million for the Internet program.

Gov Greg Gianforte welcomed the news, adding this brings his administration’s total investment in expanding broadband connection to nearly $1 billion.

“Through this generational investment, Montana will continue leading the nation on expanding reliable, high-speed connections and bridging the digital divide,” said the governor. “We’re unlocking doors and creating greater access to good-paying jobs, high-quality education, and affordable health care.”

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in a statement that the Department looks forward to working with the state “to ensure that everyone has access” to quality and affordable Internet service.

“In the 21st century, a reliable Internet connection is a necessity that enables access to jobs, healthcare, and education,” said Raimondo.

Gianforte was among the first governors in 2023 to express interest in applying for a BEAD program planning grant. Montana Department of Administration Director Misty Ann Giles said there have been challenges to getting areas of Montana online, and this is going to help.

“BEAD funding provides a unique opportunity to meet these challenges, expanding broadband to unserved and underserved areas of Montana,” said Giles.

The state of Montana now has one year to launch the grant application, receive grant applications from Internet providers, and send selected proposals to the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for approval.

With this latest approval, Montana has one year to launch the grant application, receive grant applications from providers, and submit selected proposals to NTIA for approval.

“On August 15, the BEAD portal will open for applications at ConnectMT.mt.gov,” said the governor’s office. “Upon signing their grant application, selected providers will have four years to deploy broadband services to Montanans in unserved and underserved areas.”