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APRIL / MAY 2021 • MONTANA SENIOR NEWS MODErN sENIOr PAGE 15
Rural Digital < The Georgetown Lake area will have < Participate in smooth video chatting,
Opportunity Fund gigabit-speed broadband service beginning buffering,
Watch stream shows and movies without
<
in late 2022.
Addresses Lack of < Areas of the southern Bitterroot Valley will < Download or upload large files with ease,
<
Connect voice-controlled smart home
Internet Access see Blackfoot services beginning in late 2023. devices.
The Highway 12 corridor west of Lolo
<
Because fiber is buried in the ground,
to Rural Seniors and the Swan Valley will have services it isn’t as vulnerable to Montana’s severe
beginning in 2025 and 2026.
Blackfoot’s receipt of RDOF funding weather conditions, which helps minimize
The pandemic limited options for inter- requires the FCC to approve their network outages. Fiber is also considered safer,
action over the last year. Fortunately, the expansion proposal. because it doesn’t carry electricity and can’t
internet offers new ways to connect—at least “We are thrilled to bring fast, reliable, generate sparks.
for people who have an adequate connection. high-speed internet access to portions of “Building these networks is a massive
The federal government recognized that Montana that have never had it before,” undertaking, and our long Montana winters
rural communities, home to many Montana said Jason Williams, Blackfoot’s CEO. “This and rough terrain make plowing fiber dif-
seniors, don’t have adequate access to project will ensure that schools and com- ficult,” Williams said. “Even though some
quality internet services. Nearly 42 percent munities to homes and businesses in these of these areas won’t see our service for four
of American seniors, or 22 million people, areas will have the fastest and most reliable or five years, I want people to know that we
lack broadband access at home. The Federal internet service for decades to come.” are coming and that we will do everything
Communication Commission’s Rural Digital Because it’s buried in the ground, laying we can to get you connected to our fiber
Opportunity Fund remedies this problem. fiber is a large, slow, and expensive process network as soon as we can.”
The RDOF recently awarded billions of that most internet companies reserve for You can find additional information
dollars to companies with a commitment to large population centers. The RDOF pro- regarding RDOF and Blackfoot’s other net-
providing broadband across the country for vides an opportunity for rural communities work initiatives at the following links:
communities without access, including in to achieve equity at last. < Blackfoot Communications, Network
Montana. Broadband carriers bid for these WHAt Is FIBEr AND WHY Is tHE FCC Upgrade Program: blackfootcommunications.
funds at an FCC auction, and the winners WILLING tO PONY UP tO PrOVIDE It? com/networkupgrades/
guaranteed delivery of broadband and voice Fiber-optic internet, or fiber for short, < FCC, Rural Digital Opportunity Fund:
services to currently abandoned service areas. is a broadband internet connection that fcc.gov/implementing-rural-digital-
Blackfoot Communications, based in achieves fast, reliable, and secure results. opportunity-fund-rdof-auction
western Montana, pursued and received Fiber will improve collaborative online < FCC, Rural Digital Opportunity Fund
RDOF funding, which will expand Blackfoot’s experiences for multiple users who are Phase 1 results: fcc.gov/reports-research/
ongoing commitment to laying fiber in rural connected to several devices by enabling maps/rdof-phase-i-dec-2020/ MsN
communities. With additional funding from them to:
the RDOF, Blackfoot’s current plans include < Work from home without lulls or waiting, For more information, visit the Blackfoot Communications
the following: < Seamlessly connect for remote learning, website: blackfootcommunications.com
Caring for someone with
Alzheimer’s isn’t easy.
Reaching us is.
Free Alzheimer’s Association
24/7 Helpline: 800.272.3900
or
Area Agency on Aging:
800.551.3191
If you care for someone with Alzheimer’s, memory loss or
dementia, you are not alone. We’re here 24/7—whenever
you need us—offering reliable information and support.
Dementia Caregiver Center: alz.org/care
Supported in part by a cooperative agreement 90ADSG0006-01-00 from
the Administration on Aging (AoA), Administration for Community Living
(ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
