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Comm. Carr’s Western Road Trip Includes Visit to Tower on Blackfoot Mountain

May 30, 2019

FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr visited several companies this week in Montana and Wyoming, including a wireless tower on Blackfoot Mountain on Tuesday, to see how fixed wireless service is providing connectivity to remote areas.  Following that, went to a telehealth facility with Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), where they met with doctors to discuss the benefits of telehealth in Montana.

Also on Tuesday, he visited several other tech facilities, including a center where firefighters and smokejumpers use wireless technology to combat forest fires, a manufacturer of excavators used to deploy broadband infrastructure, a telecom OEM and an American manufacturer drones, which are used to inspect and maintain wireless infrastructure for 5G deployments.

On Wednesday, Carr visited Great Falls, Montana, beginning with a visit to a mill in Montana’s “golden triangle” grain area to see how broadband is powering smart ag to enhance food production and sustainability.  Next up was a visit to an infrastructure manufacturer that makes products to serve telecom companies, as well as power and other utility companies. He then went up in Great Falls for a precision agriculture demo before heading to Hobson, Montana, for a rural fiber installation project.  He wrapped up the day at a cattle ranch where broadband is integrated into daily operations.

Carr began today day in Cody with a visit to rural radio stations to hear about the challenges of rural radio and policies that can incentivize investment in local journalism. Following that, he’ll visit a community college in Powell to learn about workforce development and participate in a town hall with members of the local community.  He’ll finish up in Cody at a satellite manufacturing facility. He’ll conclude the day with a tour of wireless towers and small cell builds on federal lands.

Tomorrow, Carr kicks off the final day of his trip in Billings at a livestock barn, which uses broadband to broadcast auctions and expand their market beyond town borders. Then, he’ll join Congressman Gianforte for a visit to a radio station, which provides coverage to farmers and agricultural communities.  Carr will then head to Forsyth to visit a rural fiber project and a community health center, which is using broadband for telehealth.

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