Montana governor's order requires net neutrality for companies seeking state contracts

Gov. Steve Bullock (D-MT) signed an executive order that will require all internet and data providers to adhere to net neutrality principles if they want to be awarded state contracts. "When the FCC repealed its net neutrality rules, it said consumers should choose. The state of Montana is one of the biggest consumers of internet services in our state. Today we're making our choice clear: We want net neutrality," said Gov Bullock. State, county and local governments have about $50 million in contracts with providers, including national companies such as Verizon, AT&T, Charter and CenturyLink, as well as local companies like Vision Net and Blackfoot Telecommunications. Gov Bullock said that by the start of the next fiscal year in July, the order —which took effect immediately — would affect contacts as the state renews them.