Gianforte Supports Montanans, Telecommunications Providers Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

Press Release

Congressman Greg Gianforte last week introduced the bipartisan Keeping Critical Connections Act to help broadband providers ensure rural broadband connectivity for students and their families during the COVID-19 outbreak.

"Fast and reliable broadband is more critical than ever as we move toward telemedicine, teleworking, and online learning amid the COVID-19 outbreak," Gianforte said. "This legislation will help all Montanans, regardless of financial situation and location, stay connected. I'm proud to introduce this bipartisan bill and will continue working to support Montanans during this pandemic."

This legislation will aid broadband providers to keep customers connected by creating a temporary Critical Connections Emergency Fund at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The fund will allow telecommunication providers keep students, low-income individuals, and those economically impacted by the coronavirus emergency connected to vital online resources, such as emergency information, telehealth services, and online education materials.

Gianforte introduced the bill with U.S. Reps. Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Don Young (R-Alaska).

NTCA -- The Rural Broadband Association, WTA -- Advocates for Rural Broadband, Wireless Internet Service Providers Association, ACA Connects support the Keeping Critical Connections Act.

Montana telecommunications providers also support the bipartisan bill.

"The Montana Telecommunications Association (MTA) welcomes Congressman Gianforte's leadership in introducing the Keeping Critical Connections Act to help rural broadband providers in Montana and around the nation deliver critical broadband services to their customers in these difficult times. We are learning in real time during this crisis that broadband connectivity is more important than ever to our economic survival. Broadband connectivity enables our students to learn at home; patients to conduct telemedicine visits without leaving their homes; and workers to telecommute and remain connected as we shelter in place. MTA member companies are singularly focused on keeping their customers connected during the coronavirus emergency. The Keeping Critical Connections Act provides needed financial support to these small companies as they work to keep all of us online. MTA strongly supports this legislation and thanks Congressman Gianforte for supporting rural broadband." -- Geoff Feiss, general manager of the Montana Telecommunications Association

"Range was among the first companies to sign the Federal Communications Commission's Keep Americans Connected Pledge. Over 550 broadband providers and associations so far have signed this pledge to: 1) not terminate service to residential or business consumers who are unable to pay their bills as a result of the coronavirus crisis; 2) waive late fees that customers may incur because of the virus; and 3) open Wi-Fi hotspots wherever possible. In addition, Range is helping connect the unconnected; we are offering free installation and free service to households with K-12 and college students that did not have broadband service. Range has also reached out on partnering opportunities in providing the benefits from telemedicine programs. In short, we are doing everything we can to help people weather the coronavirus crisis. I applaud Congressman Gianforte for introducing the Keeping Critical Connections Act. This legislation, if enacted, will help companies like Range sustain the extra effort--and expenses--we are absorbing to keep everyone connected during this national emergency." -- Rob Johnstone, chief executive officer of the Range Companies