Post by Poor Richard on Feb 7, 2022 18:06:48 GMT -7
State accepting apps to use $266M for expanding high-speed Internet
KBZK reports:
"Montana is now accepting applications for projects to expand high-speed Internet services into underserved areas, using $266 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds, Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Monday.
“With this investment, Montanans will have greater access to opportunities for employment, health care and education, and business in every corner of our state will be able to grow, prosper and create more good-paying Montana jobs,” the governor said in a statement.
Private companies or co-ops with “demonstrated experience” in providing high-speed Internet or other communication services to residential and business customers in Montana will eligible to apply for the awards. The applicants also must finance at least 20 percent of the cost of the project themselves and can partner with local or tribal governments – but the match cannot come from those governments.
Applications are due April 7. The state Department of Administration will be evaluating and deciding which projects are funded."
Read the full story here.
"Montana is now accepting applications for projects to expand high-speed Internet services into underserved areas, using $266 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds, Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Monday.
“With this investment, Montanans will have greater access to opportunities for employment, health care and education, and business in every corner of our state will be able to grow, prosper and create more good-paying Montana jobs,” the governor said in a statement.
Private companies or co-ops with “demonstrated experience” in providing high-speed Internet or other communication services to residential and business customers in Montana will eligible to apply for the awards. The applicants also must finance at least 20 percent of the cost of the project themselves and can partner with local or tribal governments – but the match cannot come from those governments.
Applications are due April 7. The state Department of Administration will be evaluating and deciding which projects are funded."
Read the full story here.
Meanwhile Elon Musk is rapidly building his Starlink low earth orbit satellite network. All of Montana is currently served. 100 mbts is common for download speeds and latency is just 20 ms.
Gaming, video calls and more are available at such speeds. A chip shortage and high demand means there is a waiting list.