Internet and telecommunications options in Montana: Variety of service providers available. Coverage varies by region. High-speed fiber in urban areas. Satellite internet for rural locations. Affordable broadband through state programs. Availability of 5G networks growing. Cellular coverage can be spotty. DSL and cable options widespread. Data caps may apply with some services. Pricing differences across providers.
Variety of service providers available.
In Montana, there is a variety of Internet Service Providers, including Mid-Rivers Communications, TDS Telecom, Spectrum, Ziply Fiber, and MontanaSky West, among others. These providers offer a range of speeds and availability, with some areas having access to fiber internet and others relying on DSL, cable, or fixed wireless services. For more detailed information about the available options and to find the best provider for your needs, visit the High-Speed Internet website.
Coverage varies by region.
Coverage of Montana Internet varies significantly by region, with fiber internet available to only a small fraction of the coverage area at speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps. In contrast, fixed wireless is widely accessible, reaching 100% of the coverage area, although it operates at slower speeds of up to 23 Mbps down and 4.5 Mbps up. For more detailed information on this topic, you can visit the Best Neighborhood website, which provides comprehensive data on internet distribution across the state.
High-speed fiber in urban areas.
In Montana, high-speed fiber internet in urban areas is rapidly expanding, with providers like TDS Telecom and Ziply Fiber offering impressive gigabit speeds. TDS Telecom is bringing fiber to cities such as Helena, Butte, Missoula, and Great Falls, enhancing connectivity for residents. Meanwhile, [Ziply Fiber](https://www.cnet.com/home/internet/best-internet-providers-in-montana/) has launched an advanced fiber-optic network in Billings and Great Falls, providing blazing speeds up to 50 Gbps, significantly transforming the internet landscape in the state.
Satellite internet for rural locations.
In Montana, satellite internet providers like Viasat offer reliable broadband internet to rural and remote areas, with download speeds up to 100-150 Mbps, no data limits, and the necessity of a clear view of the southern sky for installation. Other satellite options include HughesNet and Starlink, which also provide internet access where traditional cable, fiber optic, or cellular services are not available.
Affordable broadband through state programs.
Montana is enhancing affordable broadband access through the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, which includes a nearly $1 billion investment to expand high-speed connections. The program requires providers to offer at least a 20% match for projects, provide free service at community anchor institutions, and offer low-income service options, such as supporting enrollment in the Federal Communications Commission's Affordable Connectivity Program. For further details and updates on this initiative, you can visit the News and Press Releases section of the ConnectMT website.
Availability of 5G networks growing.
In Montana, an impressive 95.47% of homes are covered by 5G networks for voice and data services. 5G technology extends its reach to cover approximately 49.87% of the state's vast landscape, which equates to 72,586 square miles. Among the providers, T-Mobile stands out by offering the most comprehensive 5G coverage, reaching 92.34% of households. This extensive coverage helps connect more residents across the state to high-speed mobile networks.
Cellular coverage can be spotty.
In Montana, cellular coverage can be spotty, but AT&T offers the most extensive coverage, covering 67.1% of the state with its 4G LTE and 5G networks, followed by Verizon and T-Mobile. Meanwhile, US Mobile is noted for its reliable and extensive coverage across both urban and rural areas.
DSL and cable options widespread.
In Montana, DSL and cable internet options are available through several providers. CenturyLink offers DSL with speeds up to 940 Mbps, covering over half of Montana's households, while Spectrum provides cable internet with speeds ranging from 500 to 1,000 Mbps, available to nearly 50% of the state's population. To explore your local internet options and compare providers, visit Allconnect for more detailed information.
Data caps may apply with some services.
In Montana, data caps may apply with certain internet services, particularly with cable and satellite providers. For example, HughesNet and Viasat impose data caps, with HughesNet throttling speeds to 1-3Mbps once the limit is exceeded, while other providers may charge overage fees for excess data usage. To explore this further and understand which internet service providers have data caps, visit the comprehensive resource at HighSpeedInternet. This understanding can help residents make informed decisions when selecting an internet service plan that meets their needs without unexpected charges or reduced speeds.
Pricing differences across providers.
In Montana, internet pricing varies significantly across providers, with costs ranging from $35 per month for bundled plans like T-Mobile to $120 per month for Starlink satellite internet. Providers such as CenturyLink offer DSL plans starting at $55, while fiber and fixed wireless options from companies like Grizzly Broadband and MontanaSky Networks can range from $60 to $160 per month, depending on the area and speed requirements. For a comprehensive overview of the best internet providers in the state, visit the CNET website to explore the various options available.