Broadband Technologies Opportunities Program – Enhancing Computing Centers in Montana Public Libraries

Under the Broadband Technologies Opportunities Program (BTOP) funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), the Montana State Library is partnering with 42 of Montana’s public libraries to expand access to free, high-speed Internet to 86% of the state’s population by 2013.

Though most local libraries have computers with Internet access, many do not have enough computers, fast enough broadband speeds, or Internet-accessible computer facilities to provide adequate services for the thousands of Montanans who need it. As a result, library patrons currently have long wait times of up to two hours for computers, as well as unacceptably slow browsing speeds.

http://msl.mt.gov/btop/