The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), signed into law in November 2021, provides $550 billion in federal spending focusing on infrastructure. IIJA included two formulaic broadband grant programs for States, U.S. Territories and Tribes administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The State Digital Equity Capacity Program provided $1.44 billion. The Montana Department of Administration (DOA) worked with key stakeholders to develop and submit the Montana Digital Opportunity Plan. On May 9, 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce rescinded the DE Capacity Grant Awards nationwide.
The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program provided $42.45 billion for broadband infrastructure deployment and adoption programs across 50 states, and five territories. The State of Montana was awarded $629 million under the BEAD Program.
In preparation for receiving the additional broadband grant funds, the State of Montana passed SB 531 on May 19, 2023 that established the IIJA Communication Advisory Commission and enabled the Montana Department of Administration to take steps necessary to administer the federal grant programs. For more information, please refer to SB 531 and check this website for updates on program development.
The DOA conducted community engagement, developed the BEAD 5 Year Action Plan, defined the DOA’s subgrantee selection process in the Initial Proposal Volume I and II, administered a Benefit of the Bargain subgrantee selection process and submitted its Final Proposal to the NTIA. On November 18, 2025, the NTIA approved Montana’s Final Proposal. The DOA is awaiting NIST approval to enter into grant agreements with the recommended projects.
Once grant agreements are executed, subgrantees will have four years to support Montana’s objective of bringing broadband to all.