The Federal Communications Commission recently gave final regulatory approval for expanded wireless broadband internet access to more than 1 million people in Montana and Wyoming, thanks to efforts led by U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT).
T-Mobile was granted final regulatory approval by the FCC to provide 4G LTE service in rural areas of Montana and Wyoming following months of work by Daines.
“Montanans know all too well the feeling of seeing your call dropped, pressing send on text messages that will never get sent in the rural parts of our state,” Daines said.
He added that the announcement that T-Mobile will be able to expand its coverage to the underserved part of Montana is great news for connectivity and the safety of residents on roadways.
Daines previously sent a letter to the FCC urging it to act on T-Mobile’s plan for expanded wireless broadband access, and he called on nationwide wireless companies to improve service in rural America during Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee hearings earlier this year.
“T-Mobile is grateful to Sen. Daines and the FCC for giving us the opportunity to expand broadband across Montana,” Kathleen Ham, the senior vice president of government affairs at T-Mobile, said.
Daines has also urged the FCC to update the Universal Service Fund’s Mobility Fund, which supports expanding broadband service in rural and underserved areas.