Connect MT Requests Public Feedback on Broadband Needs

The ConnectMT Program was developed as a result of Senate Bill 297 and House Bill 632 in Montana’s 67th legislative session and is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act which was passed by U.S. Congress in 2021. Up to $266 million will be awarded to deliver new high-speed terrestrial based broadband service for underserved, unserved, and frontier locations throughout Montana.

The Montana Department of Administration is conducting research to increase broadband access and quality across Montana. This month, researchers Summit Consulting, LLC traveled across six cities, Billings, Glendive, Glasgow, Kalispell, Great Falls, Helena to conduct outreach sessions and administer surveys to communities. This research will help to ensure a comprehensive understanding of Montanans’ internet needs and meet the goal of increasing internet access across the State.

It is estimated that nearly 24 percent of Montanans do not have an internet subscription of any kind. As such, this research is crucial to increasing connectivity and bridging the digital divide to better connect residents connected for school, work, and staying in touch with friends and family.

Montana residents are encouraged to complete a 10-minute survey.

Individuals who live in Montana can support this critical research by taking a 10-minute survey at this link: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6993073/MT-Broadband-Survey.

Community leaders can also support this research by completing their own 10-minute survey at: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6993143/MT-Broadband-Community-Leader-Survey