In 2021 (which Gonsalves calls “a banner year for broadband”), the American Rescue Act Plan provided $350 billion for water, sewer, and broadband with another $10 billion earmarked primarily for broadband via the Capital Funds Project. In the fall, an additional $65 billion was allocated as part of the new infrastructure bill.

In rural parts of New England, where many are unserved or underserved by monopoly providers, a variety of broadband models have taken shape even before now. Many more are predicted to gain momentum with this latest financial boost.

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If you’d like to contribute to the discussion on how Montana’s Internet availability and quality can be improved, please consider adding your voice:

MEDA Broadband Working Group