News

The Economic Impact of Montana's Cooperatives

The Montana Cooperative Development Center (MCDC) and Montana Council of Cooperatives (MCOC) have released an analysis by the University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) which explores the effects of cooperative operations on Montana’s economy.  The findings are significant.  Read more

January 5, 2021

Pandemic highlights Montana's digital divide

MISSOULA, Mont. — The COVID-19 pandemic has shined a light on Montana’s widening digital divide. Working from home, online school and telehealth have all become pandemic necessities, but many Montanans don’t have access to adequate broadband internet.  Read more

November 20, 2020

An unexpected $15,000 gift

3 Rivers uses FCC’s relaxed restrictions to help community libraries and schools.  Any funding for a community library is beneficial, but a $15,000 grant from 3 Rivers Communications for the Big Sky Community Library – during all the uncertainty a pandemic provides – was an unexpected gift. Don Serido, Marketing Manager for 3 Rivers Communications explained in a library press release that a few things made the grant possible. The Federal Communications Commission relaxed restrictions on gift-giving from telecommunications providers to E-Rate recipients.  Read more
 

August 6, 2020

RANGE, ACT, DTE, AND RT UNITE TO BECOME ONE COMPANY

Range will combine network capabilities and industry expertise enhancing the customer experience.  Read more

August 4, 2020

Boosting broadband: Forest Service may change permits, access

From time to time, backcountry travelers notice an unusually tall and odd-looking tree in the forest: a clumsily camouflaged communications tower.

Those towers, and more obvious collections of cell-phone and data relay stations, could get technological updates soon based on directives from Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. Read more

July 5, 2020

Economic Affairs Interim Committee letter to Gov. Bullock urges working with private providers to encourage broadband expansion.

Click here to read the letter.  

July 2, 2020

The COVID imperative: Connect rural America now

Amid the national debate about reopening the economy, one powerful lesson from the COVID-19 pandemic is now self-evident to all: Broadband is essential infrastructure for every community — and America must prioritize ensuring all of its citizens are connected to this vital modern resource. Read more

June 2, 2020

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