Montana received $5.6 million in its first grants from the Internet for All initiative, which aims to fund the widespread deployment of fast internet throughout the state.
The funding will help develop digital skills training programs, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced in a Dec. 12 news release.
“Closing the digital divide will provide equitable access to economic opportunities across Montana. I commend Gov. Gianforte and his team for their work to expand reliable access to the Internet throughout the state,” Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said in the release.
Sen. John Tester, D-Mont., said keeping students and small business owners connected with 21st century tools like high-speed internet is critical in a state as big as Montana, the release reported. He said the state will study and plan to fill gaps in its broadband infrastructure through grant funding.
“Working together, and with additional funding from my Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’ll bring high-speed internet to every corner of the Treasure State,” he said, according to the release.
The 50 states and six U.S. territories applied for similar funding under the Internet for All initiative’s Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment program and the Digital Equity Act program. Grant approval will be announced on a rolling basis by the Commerce Department, the release reported.
