Broadband supporters urge Missoula to move ahead with system

If Missoula wants to compete in the 21st century and stop its "brain drain" to more competitive cities, it needs to move past its 20th century infrastructure and create an open-access fiber-optic network.

Advocates of installing a $10 million next-generation broadband system in Missoula say doing so will help local businesses compete with outside markets and give the city’s burgeoning high-tech sector a chance to grow.

They also believe a high-speed and reliable system is essential if Missoula County Public Schools is to deliver a 21st century education. University of Montana students could benefit as well if local government created a seamless transition between the linked-up campus and the surrounding community.

By Martin Kidston

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/news/local/broadband-supporters-urge-missoula-to-move-ahead-with-system/article_d5bb5f50-1852-11e4-b02b-0019bb2963f4.html