Unserved areas where at least 10% of the delivery points (locations) do not currently have access to broadband service of at least actual 25 Mbps download speed and 10 Mbps upload speed with low latency.
Underserved areas that have no access to broadband service with download speeds greater than 100 Mbps and upload speeds greater than 20 Mbps with low latency.
Yes, any eligible provider may apply to provide service to any unserved last mile location as long as it commits to offer terrestrial based broadband service at or above 100 mbps download speeds, 20 mbps upload speeds level service with low latency on a 24 hours, 7 days per week, 365 days per year basis (with accommodations for planned downtime related to maintenance and service, and unplanned downtime related to unforeseen events) in accordance with the Connect Montana Act as defined by Montana Senate Bill 297. An incumbent service provider’s area is not “protected” from competition nor is it able to prevent funding from being provided to a competitor when it fails to offer and provide service to locations as defined by the Connect Montana Act.
A location having service is defined as where the internet service provider delivers broadband service to a last mile site. The “last-mile” means at the spot of the residence, business, or government customer; included in this is where service can be provided by either wireless means or fixed wired within 5 business days of service request. Such service provision must not result in existing customers experiencing latency of data download or reduction of megabits transmission speeds.
The Montana Department of Administration
Mitchell Building, 125 N Roberts St.
PO Box 200101, Helena, MT 59620-0101
You should provide a brief narrative that outlines your documentation process and includes images of the map with your overlayed proposed project area. The map will also produce an excel file that you should upload to your application.
Applicable Application/Guidebook Section: G P14/Section 4.4