The administration of Gov. Greg Gianforte is seeking federal approval for a $308 million plan it says will fill the remaining gaps in the broadband connectivity for homes and businesses across Montana.

The proposal, currently under review by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, uses Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment, or BEAD, funding from the 2021 Infrastructure and Jobs Act. It envisions paying private internet service providers, including satellite internet providers such as Elon Musk-owned SpaceX, to expand their networks to provide service in areas that aren’t covered by current or planned expansions. Once complete, customers in the new service areas can purchase internet service from the providers.

Montana is currently ranked last in the nation for its internet access. Montana Department of Administration Director Misty Ann Giles, who has overseen broadband efforts under Gianforte, said at an Aug. 26 meeting of the state’s communications advisory commission that the BEAD proposal and other broadband spending will bring progress on that front.

The Department of Administration’s broadband office says the $308 million in public spending it proposes through the BEAD program will be matched with $148 million in private investment from the companies receiving the grants. The resulting buildout aims to bring connectivity to approximately 72,000 homes and businesses

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