HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-15-14 Bozeman Broadband Initiative Community Benefits Bozeman Broadband Initiative
Summary
Affordable broadband access is essential for creating high-paying jobs in Bozeman and Gallatin County.
Technology firms, film makers, medical providers, banks, businesses, and startups require fast, reliable, and
secure connections to their clients. Educational institutions increasingly depend on broadband to provide high
quality instruction and meet standards for integrating technology into the classroom to prepare students to be
career ready. Broadband connectivity, however, is only available at high prices or is simply unavailable. This
initiative seeks to increase access and significantly lower the cost of broadband for business by stimulating
private sector service delivery through public infrastructure investment.
Business and Economic Development Benefits
Entrepreneurs who need fast and secure access to national clients will be able to focus on growing
their businesses and creating jobs rather than paying crushing broadband bills.
Businesses benefit from an educated workforce that is adaptable and prepared to address the rapidly
changing needs of our world community.
Broadband infrastructure attracts businesses to move to the community to exploit inexpensive
network transport, inexpensive Internet access, and data center services.
Businesses that regularly transfer large amounts of data, such as engineers, architects, lawyers, and
filmmakers will have options that meet their needs at a reasonable cost.
Hospitals and healthcare providers will be able to provide higher quality care by utilizing telehealth
services.
Infrastructure Partners
The City envisions an open access, private-public partnership model in which broadband providers,
anchor businesses, School District 7, the City of Bozeman, Gallatin County and Bozeman Deaconess
Hospital collaborate to build a community fiber optic network. Increased proximity to fiber will
facilitate a greater number of users, which will drive down the marginal cost of providing service
throughout the community.
Increasing the number of initially connected entities is essential to keeping costs low for all partners.
Master Plan Development
The City is seeking partners to provide matching funds to finance a Comprehensive Master Plan for developing
a community fiber optic network for the City of Bozeman. Interested partners should contact David Fine,
Economic Development Specialist at 406-582-2973 or dfine@bozeman.net.