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Montana is a rural state with diverse terrain ranging from the Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains. This varied landscape and equally varied climate can lead to natural disasters, like wildfires. In 2017, 21 fires burned nearly 1.3 million acres of land. Responders in Montana need to be prepared for emergencies like these.

The First Responder Network Authority team recognizes the unique communications challenges that Montana first responders face. We have been working closely with Montana public safety officials since 2014, capturing their feedback and translating it into the design of the FirstNet network. During the development of state deployment plans, our team worked hand-in-hand with Montana leaders to ensure the plan was customized to address their needs, including:

  • Expanding coverage in rural and tribal areas, where many Montanans reside
  • Enabling state, local, tribal, and federal agencies to effectively communicate and coordinate along the border
  • Increasing capacity during emergencies and natural disasters through the use of deployables

Following this close collaboration, Montana chose to adopt the plan and “opt in” to FirstNet. Today, we continue to meet regularly with state and local officials to discuss their public safety broadband needs. Engagements like these are crucial to the ongoing success of the network and the advancement of public safety communications across the state and the nation.

Connect with our team of Public Safety Advisors to learn about FirstNet in your community.

Montana's FirstNet Authority Public Safety Advisor

Tracey Murdock headshot
Tracey Murdock
202-657-9013

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This partnership will allow us to provide our first responders increased capabilities to communicate effectively with the public as quickly as possible. As wildfires across the state impact our communities and our hometowns, it’s critical that we support the efforts of the men and women protecting Montana with all resources available.
Steve Bullock
Governor of Montana

FirstNet in Action in Montana


  • A year of unprecedented disasters — including two major floods and a train derailment — brought unique challenges to rural Stillwater County, Montana. FirstNet supported communications and emergency management throughout these incidents, allowing responders to connect and collaborate during response and recovery efforts.