Montana libraries to expand broadband thanks to Gates, stimulus

The Montana State Library received $1.8 million dollars in federal stimulus money from the Department of Commerce, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced that it is contributing more than $850,000 to help the library expand broadband Internet services and training in 42 public libraries across the state.

The Montana State Library formally launched the broadband project in Helena. Jamie Hoard of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation noted, "I think this is really an unprecedented opportunity with the federal funds flowing from the stimulus funding to leave a legacy of opening up access to broadband. Especially in places like Montana where the geography and special needs of the communities make it a real challenge."