Montana and Idaho continue to demonstrate their leadership in the Mountain States with the recent approvals of their Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program proposals. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has officially approved Montana’s plan to access over $628 million, followed by Idaho’s approval for over $583 million in federal funding. These funds will help bring high-speed internet to underserved communities and remote areas of each state, cementing both states' positions at the forefront of broadband expansion in the region.
This approval is a monumental step in ensuring that Montana and Idaho remain leaders in the race for digital connectivity, driving progress for their states and leading by example for the entire region. With BEAD funding, both states are on track to meet the needs of their residents by deploying reliable, affordable, and high-speed internet access across every last mile.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo stated “In the 21st century, a reliable Internet connection is a necessity that enables access to jobs, health care, and education."
The federal dollars will go toward deploying critical infrastructure and upgrading existing networks, enabling faster, more reliable connections in every corner of Montana and Idaho. From rural communities to urban hubs, these investments will strengthen the local economies by expanding access to telehealth, online education, and small business opportunities.
Considering what other states should be doing in their application and implementation process, Idaho and Montana's proposals have helped pave the way for best practices.
"In April 2023, Idaho launched the Statewide Stakeholder Asset Inventory Survey to identify ongoing broadband improvement programs and pinpoint areas with the greatest needs. The insights gained led to the discovery of broadband pilot programs. After the survey, ISP Roundtables brought together industry professionals to discuss crucial elements such as permitting, Right-of-Way access, affordability, and workforce availability, which are pivotal in shaping the State's broadband deployment strategy."
Key engagement initiatives include:
• Statewide Stakeholder Asset Inventory Survey
• ISP Roundtables
• Broadband 101 Community Listening Sessions
• Public Survey
• Tribal Engagement
• Workforce and Economic Development Focus Group
• Listening Sessions"
"To direct stakeholder engagement, the MBO developed a list of more than 2,800 stakeholders who represented populations highlighted in the NTIA requirements, including unserved/underserved and covered populations, to understand their needs related to the access, availability, and use of broadband. To reach covered populations, the State also held targeted interviews with stakeholders, including Tribal leaders, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Public Health, and Human Services: State Unit of Aging, and the Montana Rural Development State Office."
Timely and efficient implementation is key to the success of these projects. While some states may encounter delays due to bureaucratic permitting processes, we encourage Montana and Idaho to stay focused on shovel-ready projects that can hit the ground running. By maintaining this clear strategy, both states will ensure that federal funds are utilized swiftly and effectively to deliver results without unnecessary delays, keeping them on the leading edge of broadband expansion in not only the Northwest Region but the country as a whole.