NewsThe Economic Impact of Montana's CooperativesThe 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 divideMISSOULA, 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 gift3 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 COMPANYRange will combine network capabilities and industry expertise enhancing the customer experience. Read more August 4, 2020 Boosting broadband: Forest Service may change permits, accessFrom 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 nowAmid 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 News Archives |