The entire challenge process, but especially this first phase, is about identifying BSLs that are listed incorrectly on Montana’s map. We want the map to be as accurate as possible, so that we can accomplish our goal of providing reliable, high quality Internet to every Montanan. We need your help to do this! The more participation we have, the better the map will be.

I am excited to let you know that NTIA has approved Montana’s Initial Proposal Volume 1, which includes the Challenge Process. Montana is one of only six states with an approved Volume 1. You can track national progress here.

Montana’s materials can be found on Home (mt.gov), here:

Montana’s Challenge Portal will open next Tuesday, January 16th, and the Montana Broadband Office will be offering a webinar this Friday, March 12th, at 2pm to help stakeholders understand the challenge and rebuttal phases of the process. The MBO will also walk through how to obtain a Tier E license from CostQuest, which will enable eligible challengers (units of local government, units of Tribal governments, non-profits, and Broadband Service Providers) to access the data necessary to file a challenge. You can register for this webinar here: Upcoming Events (mt.gov)

The first step of the challenge process, the challenge phase, will last for 30 days, from January 16^th – February 15th.

If we can help you in any way, please reach out to me at [email protected], or to our Regional Director, Robyn Madison, at [email protected].

Thank you,

Grace