Competition could benefit consumer pricing, and multiple providers would also be forced to compete for customers, improving the services provided to residents who subscribe.

Three months after receiving an application, Missoula County next week is expected to consider a franchise agreement with TDS Metrocom, one of the nation’s largest broadband providers which looks to enter the Missoula market.

The Missoula City Council in November approved its end of the franchise agreement with the cable provider and cited the benefits of competition, primarily against Charter-Spectrum.

TDS is headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, and delivers high-speed Internet, television entertainment and phone service. The company is a subsidiary of TDS Long Distance, which is owned by Fortune 1000 company Telephone Data Systems.

By Martin Kidston

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