Investing in connectivity

For a state that ranks 50th in the nation for broadband access, Montana has a steep hill to climb toward full connectivity.

As Taylor Inman reports in this month’s feature story, Montana’s fixed broadband coverage reaches just 81.8% of the state. Not surprisingly, rural areas lag behind.

Flathead County has 81% coverage, while Lincoln and Sanders counties are at approximately 77%. Lake County sits at just 67%, and Mineral County is among the least connected in the state, with only 26% coverage.

Access to reliable fixed broadband is critical for economic development. Every business sector — from health care to agriculture — depends on strong connectivity to meet customer needs and compete in today’s marketplace.

Fortunately, several small and mid-sized telecommunication companies are stepping up to fill gaps across northwest Montana.

AccessMontana is a prime example. The family-operated company — formerly Ronan Telephone — has played an integral role in connecting rural Lake County and the Flathead Reservation. By tapping into federal grants, it has built a network that spans from Pablo and Elmo to Hot Springs. These communities may not have reliable internet without that local investment.

Laying fiber-optic cable in rural areas is a logistically challenging and expensive endeavor. Small, local telecommunications companies like AccessMontana and InterBel often rely on grants to make such projects financially viable.

Continued and robust federal and state investment is essential if Montana is to rise from the bottom of the broadband rankings and ensure all communities and businesses have access to a reliable connection.

Matt Baldwin is the regional editor for Hagadone Media Montana.