“We have to have high-speed internet to function competitively. Even ask our schools about this necessity. It’s been a lifeline for so many of us,” said Montana State Representative, Becky Beard. She spoke in support of SB 51, currently making its way through the state legislature, reports Montana Public Radio Morning Edition. If approved, it would offer tax relief to telecoms expanding outreach across her state.
Broadband expansion is part of Governor Greg Gianforte’s “Montana Comeback Plan.” Like other U.S. states, Montana is struggling to bridge the digital divide in a region with many rural residents.
If approved, SB 51 would offer a five year tax abatement for companies that lay fiber or coaxial cable. However, the bill also stipulates that the savings must be reinvested to install more cable. The exemption would depreciate by 20 percent per year. After 10 years, the infrastructure would be taxed at 100 percent. While the bill met with approval in the House, it does face opponents in the State Senate.
Opponents like Representative Mark Thane commented, “Under this bill, additional cabling, which may be redundant service for those urban communities, will qualify for tax incentives.” He has stated that the bill does not direct its focus at the rural and tribal communities that are most in need of assistance. Additional broadband measures are making their way down the pipeline to address connectivity concerns in Montana.
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