Montana House Bill HB876

Montana 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/21/23
• Refer: 3/22/23

Caption

Create a Montana broadband coordinator

Impact

The bill appropriates $750,000 from the state general fund to support the role of the broadband coordinator and fund initiatives aimed at increasing broadband availability. Key goals include addressing the needs of unserved and underserved communities, identifying barriers to broadband deployment, and promoting public-private partnerships to expand service. This funding will facilitate research and strategic planning to improve internet infrastructure, potentially impacting economic development and the quality of life in rural areas.

Summary

House Bill 876 proposes the establishment of a Montana Broadband Coordinator position within the Governor's Office of Economic Development. This coordinator will be tasked with various responsibilities aimed at enhancing broadband access across rural areas in Montana. The primary duties include examining the state's universal service fund to evaluate its effectiveness in delivering affordable broadband services, creating detailed maps to identify coverage gaps, and making recommendations to improve broadband services based on surveys of other states' broadband efforts.

Contention

The creation of the broadband coordinator position reflects ongoing discussions about the digital divide affecting rural residents in Montana. As the coordinator surveys and recommends improvements based on the challenges faced by these communities, there could be contention regarding state funding and resource allocation. Some stakeholders may argue about the effectiveness of the coordinator's initiatives and the need for comprehensive action beyond mere coordination, emphasizing that adequate broadband access is essential for economic growth and equal opportunity.