HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-15-14 NRMEDD letter to Bozeman City Council Dec 2014 broadband311 West Main Room 311 Bozeman, MT 59715 PH: 406-763-4412 FAX 866-847-8033
Dear Bozeman City Commission,
The NRMEDD offers this letter of support for the Bozeman Fiber Initiative and efforts to
bring fast, reliable, accessible and redundant broadband to the City of Bozeman.
As a participant in the movement to acquire funding for the City's Fiber master plan, the
District whole-heartedly supports the planning efforts toward the broadband initiative. The Northern
Rocky Mountain Economic Development District has been part of the steering committee since the
Committee’s inception, and firmly believes that the broadband initiative is not only a good idea, but
also a necessity in ensuring the stability and future economic growth of Bozeman.
Over this past year, we have heard anecdotal evidence of the business community's support of
the Butte fiber-optic ring. Businesses are locating to Butte for it's robust broadband speed,
redundancy, reliability and accessibility. Butte’s economic growth will likely prove substantial when
the fiber-optic ring achieves full potential.
The demand for fast, redundant, reliable and accessible broadband are increasing daily; as
companies seek to increase their data transmissions and ability to compete in both national and global
markets. The Bozeman School District, hospital, and government infrastructure need and are seeking
new capacity. The City’s initial up-front cost to the system will likely be rewarded many times over.
We encourage you as a Commission, to continue to support the planning efforts of the
broadband committee and the Bozeman Economic Development Director. I can be reached for
discussion or questions at (406) 586-2042 or at mike@nrmedd.org.
Warmest Regards,
Rob Gilmore, Executive Director
NRMEDD
“Serving Gallatin and Park Counties of Southwest Montana”