- Application window closed on April 29, 2022, for $266 million in allocations from the American Rescue Plan Act.
- Challenge window was May 6, 2022, through June 4, 2022; challenge notifications were issued June 24, 2022.
- Applicants were allowed to revise and resubmit responses to successful challenges through June 30, 2022.
- Communications Advisory Commission meetings:
- August 2, 2022 - Application information and preliminary award recommendations
- August 8, 2022 - Discussion and public comment
- August 22, 2022 - Data Aquisition Webinar
- November 1, 2022 - ABIRG Information Session
- December 7, 2022
Information related to preliminary allocation recommendations for the Broadband Communications Advisory Commission's review is available online through the Awards tab on the ConnectMT website. Review of these recommendations is the subject of the Broadband Communications Advisory Commissions's August 8th and August 17th meetings. After the allocation process has completed, the ConnectMT team will begin scheduling debriefs with applicants. Applicants should continue to send questions via email to ConnectMTInfoRequests@ctnet.us. The ConnectMT team will post an updated FAQ to the ConnectMT website.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), signed into law in November 2021, provides $550 billion in federal spending with a focus toward 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 increaing 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 (SB297) 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, with awards anticipated this fall. Continuing these efforts, Montana is applying for funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).