Until financial incentives emerge to expand broadband internet access to rural communities, far-flung residents will have to go without, said MontanaSky Founder Fred Weber.

Weber delivered the blunt assessment during an Oct. 9 luncheon sponsored by the Libby Chamber of Commerce hosted at the Gracious Table.

Given the scarcity of customers and the prohibitive cost of building infrastructure outside towns, cities and suburbs, Weber said telecommunications companies see no reason to invest in sparsely populated areas.