HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-28-22 Correspondance - USDA Invests Almost $48 Million for High-Speed Internet Access in Rural MontanaFrom:USDA Rural Development MontanaTo:AgendaSubject:USDA Invests Almost $48 Million for High-Speed Internet Access in Rural MontanaDate:Thursday, July 28, 2022 7:58:49 AM
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USDA Rural Development - Together, America Prospers
News Release
Rural Development
2229 Boot Hill Court
Bozeman, MT 59715
www.rd.usda.gov/mt
Contact:
Sue Kerver
(406) 312-0190 (Cell)
(406) 585-2587 (Office)
Suzanne.Kerver@usda.gov
USDA Invests Almost $48 Million for High-Speed
Internet Access in Rural Montana
BOZEMAN, Mont., July 28, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary
Tom Vilsack today announced that the Department is investing $401 million to provide
access to high-speed internet for 31,000 rural residents and businesses in eleven states,
including almost $48 million in Montana. This announcement includes a group of
investments from the ReConnect Program, and an award funded through USDA’s
Telecommunications Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee program.
The Department will make additional investments for rural high-speed internet later this
summer, including ReConnect Program funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,
which provides a historic $65 billion investment to expand affordable, high-speed internet
to all communities across the U.S.
“The lack of access to high-speed internet and inability to connect are issues we see
agricultural producers, business owners, and communities struggling with across
Montana,” stated USDA Rural Development State Director, Kathleen Williams. “We are
excited to be part of the solution by providing ReConnect funding which will allow for the
infrastructure and equipment needed to make high-speed internet available and affordable
to 2,298 people, 97 businesses, four schools, 420 farms and five rural counties throughout
the state.”
As part of today's announcement:
Blackfoot Telephone Cooperative, Inc, is receiving $4,014,840 to deploy a fiber-to-
the-premises network that will serve 89 people, five businesses and 47 farms to
high-speed internet in Ravalli County. Blackfoot Telephone Cooperative Inc. will
make high-speed internet affordable by offering low cost options offered at speeds
sufficient for multiple users to simultaneously telework and engage in remote
learning. Blackfoot will participate in the Federal Communications Commission's
Lifeline Program and the Affordable Connectivity Program providing discounts on
broadband services.
Nemont Telephone Cooperative, Inc. is receiving $24,972,692 to deploy a fiber-to-
the-premises network. This network will connect 1,058 people, 25 businesses, and
282 farms to high-speed internet in Roosevelt and Valley counties. Nemont
Telephone Cooperative will make high-speed internet affordable by offering a suite
of broadband services designed to be simple and target residents and businesses
on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. All services offered are symmetrical and
capable of supporting multiple simultaneous users for many applications including
teleworking and remote learning. This project will serve the socially vulnerable
communities in Roosevelt County and on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.
Reservation Telephone Cooperative is receiving $18,501,541 to deploy a fiber-to-
the-home network. This network will connect 1,151 people, 67 businesses, four
public schools, and 91 farms in Richland and Wibaux counties in Montana and
Dunn, McKenzie and McLean counties in North Dakota. Reservation Telephone
Cooperative will make high-speed internet affordable by participating in the Federal
Communications Commission's Affordable Connectivity Program. This will give
eligible residents up to $30 discount per month off of their service. This project will
serve the Fort Berthold Reservation Tribal Entity.
Background: ReConnect Program
To be eligible for ReConnect Program funding, an applicant must serve an area where
high-speed internet service speeds are lower than 100 megabits per second (Mbps)
(download) and 20 Mbps (upload). The applicant must also commit to building facilities
capable of providing high-speed internet service at speeds of 100 Mbps (download and
upload) to every location in its proposed service area.
For more information about the ReConnect program, please contact Montana's General
Field Representative, Peter Hawkes, at (208) 339-1104 or peter.hawkes@usda.gov.
Background: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $65 billion to ensure every American has
access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet through a historic investment in
broadband infrastructure deployment. The legislation also lowers costs for internet service
and helps close the digital divide, so that more Americans can make full use of internet
access.
USDA Rural Development is an investor, ally and advocate for rural America and provides
loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas.
This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing;
community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed
internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/mt.
If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery
subscriber page.
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