The Internet Structure in Montana
Montana's reputation for fast, reliable, and affordable internet has not been stellar. In fact, according to Ookla's
Speedtest data, Montana ranks 49th among the states, with only Wyoming and Alaska falling behind. However, the situation
varies depending on your location. City dwellers typically have access to decent broadband speeds, while rural areas face
more limited choices.
Top Internet Providers in Montana
Spectrum
- Best internet provider in Montana
- Offers gig-level broadband to many population centres
- Available to nearly half of households in Montana
- Fiber alternatives may be preferred if available
CenturyLink
- Broadest coverage in Montana
- Offers DSL and fiber services
- Available in many population centres and extends into rural areas
T-Mobile Home Internet
- Best 5G home internet in Montana
- Affordable and reliable if decent speeds are accessible
Starlink
- Best satellite internet in Montana
- A recommended option for rural Montanans
- No contract required
TDS Telecom
- Best potential in Montana internet
- Expanding its presence in the state
Internet Options for Rural Montana
For those living in rural areas, finding reliable Montana internet can be challenging.
Satellite internet
from providers like Starlink and Viasat is often the fallback option, although it can be expensive
and offer less-than-desirable speeds. CenturyLink DSL is a common choice for wired internet in rural
areas due to its wider coverage. However, speeds can vary significantly by location.
In addition to these options, local ISPs in Montana provide fixed wireless solutions, sometimes
combined with smaller fiber networks. Fixed wireless speeds depend on your location and require
a clear line of sight to a tower. The Missoula Valley Internet Co-op is unique in that it charges
based on usage. Montana acknowledges the need for improved rural broadband access and is investing
in expanding services to remote communities, ranches, and farms.
Broadband Availability in Montana
While the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) indicates that all Montana households can access
Montana broadband internet,
the definition of broadband includes satellite, which might not be suitable for all rural areas.
Approximately 5% of Montanans live in underserved areas, and 13% in unserved areas.
Fiber internet is available to less than 20% of Montana households, with gigabit-speed fiber even scarcer.
Larger cities are more likely to have fiber, but coverage can be sporadic. Libby, for instance, a town with
fewer than 3,000 residents, is covered by Ziply Fiber. Fiber availability can significantly impact your
choice of location in Montana.
Internet Speeds in Montana
Montana's low ranking in Ookla's state speed test results is largely attributed to the lack of fiber
offerings and ISP competition. Gigabit-speed coverage is limited to just 16% of Montana homes. The
median download speeds in some of Montana's largest cities include 211Mbps in Billings, 189Mbps in
Missoula, and 209Mbps in Great Falls.
Spectrum is recognized as Montana's fastest provider, with a median download speed of 216Mbps, though
it lacks symmetrical upload speeds. Fiber options like Quantum Fiber, Ziply Fiber, TDS Telecom, and
local ISPs offer more balanced upload and download speeds.
Pricing and Assistance
Home internet pricing in Montana varies. Bundling with a T-Mobile phone plan can bring costs down to $30
per month, while most ISPs start at $50 and above. Promotional prices may increase after the initial period,
but negotiating for a better deal is an option.
Low-income households in Montana can benefit from the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers discounts
on monthly bills. Many ISPs participate and provide special plans for eligible customers, such as Spectrum's
no-cost 100Mbps plan.
The Future of Broadband in Montana
Montana is taking steps to improve its internet infrastructure. TDS Telecom plans to bring fiber speeds of up
to 8 gigabits to several cities, including Helena, Butte, Missoula, and Great Falls. Additional funding from
the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment program and Governor Greg Gianforte's infrastructure investment will
help extend reliable broadband to underserved and unserved areas.
Conclusion
So, while Montana internet structure presents challenges, there is hope for improvement shortly. Whether you're
a city dweller seeking reliable broadband or a rural resident in need of decent internet, understanding your
options and keeping an eye on upcoming developments can help you make the best choice for your internet needs
in the Treasure State.
