Montana Takes Strides to Expand Broadband Access

Recently, Montana’s Governor, Greg Gianforte stated: “Too many of our communities, particularly in our rural and frontier areas, lack access to reliable broadband. That’s why we’ve made a historic investment to get fiber in the ground and close the digital divide.” State Broadband office data shows that two-thirds of Montana addresses currently have 100 mbps service or its pending. In this Fiber for Breakfast, Montana Broadband Program Manager Chad Rupe will explain how the state is working to provide modern internet access to parts of Montana, particularly the rural ones and tribal communities, that lack broadband connectivity and get access to locations so people can engage in today’s society. Chad will share steps Montana and the ConnectMT Program are taking and how the state has unveiled a broadband access map and is soliciting grant applications.

Panelist: Chad Rupe, Montana Broadband Program Manager and Former RUS Administrator

Moderator: Gary Bolton, President & CEO, Fiber Broadband Association

Fiber for Breakfast is a weekly 30-minute live video discussion hosted by our President and CEO, Gary Bolton, and features industry thought leaders on current topics that explore fiber as the critical infrastructure for 21st century communications as well as other connectivity and workplace issues.