Next Generation Broadband in Montana

"The reason that we worry about [start-ups] moving is that they won’t have the number of people that they need to service their businesses…. We want to be a city that solves those issues."

Myth: It’s too expensive to bring high speed broadband to rural areas.
Reality: Providers are bringing high speed broadband to rural areas!

Partnerships don’t have to be all or nothing. They can be some of each.

The FCC’s new Chairman Ajit Pai has some very big ideas about how to bring broadband access to rural America.

They are trying to cripple the current model in tactical skirmishes over discreet issues such as broadband privacy, net neutrality, and municipal broadband rules.

"In September of 2015 we announced a bold, proactive plan for how we could bring high-speed Internet to every school and student in our state," said Governor Bullock. "Just over a year later, we are clearly on our way to making that happen and ensuring that every Montana student receives the world-class educational experience they need and deserve."

"I didn’t realize how significant the difference was in the download speeds between the two huge competitors in our community. There is one provider that consistently delivers much higher speeds."

Advocates must aggressively engage in politics at all levels if they hope to keep up with giant incumbents that expect the political winds to blow in their favor.

Jenni Graff, an economic development associate with MEP, said the results will help determine whether high-speed connectivity is needed in Missoula, and whether a consortium of partners should be organized to pursue it.

"The Bozeman Fiber network is like a public road. There isn’t separate road construction for UPS or the U.S. Postal Service, they share it to provide a varied service and competitive offerings."