PSC votes to bring approximately $100 million for rural broadband investment to Montana

The Montana Public Service Commission voted 5-0 to certify 26 companies and affiliates as eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) for 2017, opening the doors for approximately $100 million in broadband investment funds to be utilized across Montana over the next year. The funds that each ETC is eligible to receive come from the Federal Communication Commission’s Universal Service Fund to improve communication infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas across the country. The FCC’s Universal Service Fund includes four components: Connect America Fund, Low Income Assistance (Lifeline), E-Rate (schools and libraries), and Rural Healthcare, totaling approximately $100 million available for broadband investment in Montana over the next year to the 26 certified ETC’s. Ratepayers in Montana contribute approximately $28 million to the USF annually.