The 2021 Legislature passed, and Governor Gianforte signed SB 297, creating the ConnectMT Act. The Department of Administration (DOA) is responsible for establishing and administering the broadband infrastructure deployment program. The Communications Advisory Commission, created by HB 632 to oversee Montana's American Rescue Plan Act dollars, was responsible for reviewing and scoring proposals and awarding contracts. On December 14, 2022, the Governor approved 61 projects recommended for funding by DOA, covering 61,887 serviceable locations across Montana. Of these locations, 38,631 are unserved communities, 21,956 are underserved communities, and 1,300 are frontier communities.
For more information, please review SB 297 and HB 632 and check this website often for updates on program development.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), signed into law in November 2021, provides $550 billion in federal spending focusing on infrastructure. Under IIJA, Montana will receive a minimum of $100 million to improve broadband coverage across the state. Additionally, under IIJA, 286,000, or 27% of people in Montana, will be eligible for the Affordability Connectivity Benefit, which will help low-income families afford internet access.
The Montana Department of Administration (DOA) is conducting research to support efforts for the ConnectMT program to increase broadband access and quality across Montana. It is estimated that nearly 24% 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 for school, work, and staying in touch with friends and family.
ConnectMT created Montana's first broadband program (SB 297) to award grants to internet service providers to improve broadband access across the state. In 2021, the Montana Legislature dedicated $270 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to the first round of grants. Continuing these efforts, Montana applied for funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and has been awarded $629 million through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.