From the badlands to the prairies: Montana’s Broadband Director shares her approach to connecting Big Sky Country

On this episode of Connected Nation, we're taking you to Big Sky Country for a conversation with the Montana State Broadband Director. We ask her how she and her team are implementing the ConnectMT Broadband Program in a place that attracts people because it's wild and rural. 

Recommended links: 

Montana Broadband Office website

Misty Ann Giles Linkedin

BEAD Program (NTIA webpage) 

Chapters

• 2:21 Misty Ann Giles professional background
• 6:01 USDA development's role in rural America
• 10:29 What is the ConnectMT program
• 13:41 Montana's BEAD funding plan
• 20:26 Challenges and opportunities in Montana
• 26:58 What does the next 5 years look like for Montana broadband

Transcript

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (00:00):
This is Connected Nation, an award-winning podcast focused on all things broadband from closing the digital divide to improving your internet speeds. We talked technology topics that impact all of us, our families, and our neighborhoods. 

On this episode of Connected Nation, we're taking you to Big Sky Country for a conversation with the Montana State Broadband director, we'll ask her how she and her team are implementing the ConnectMT Broadband program in a place that attracts people because it's wild and rural. 

Learn how they're handling this year's big and unexpected changes to federal funding programs, and find out what's on the line for Montana residents and businesses when it comes to connectivity. 

I'm Jessica Denson, and this is Connected Nation. 

INTERVIEW 

I'm Jessica Denson, and today my guest is Montana Broadband director Misty Ann Giles. Hi, Misty Ann. 

Misty Ann Giles, Montana Broadband Director (01:01):
Good morning, 

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (01:01):
Jessica. Good morning. Uh, it's still morning there in Montana. I'm on the East Coast. We're, we're entering the, uh, lunch hour. Um, how are things going? Is is it beautiful there? I just think of it as beautiful country. 

Misty Ann Giles, Montana Broadband Director (01:13):
It is. We have been pretty fortunate in the last few weeks that we have a legitimate fall before, uh, the snow sets in. So it is lovely. And the beautiful fall colors right now, so. 

Jessica Denson, Connected Nation (01:24):
Oh, I bet 

Misty Ann Giles, Montana Broadband Director (01:25):
It's gorgeous too, and not too cold, Jessica Denson (01:26):

So <laugh> Oh, that's nice. So, for a person who lives in Montana, what's not too cold? 

Misty Ann Giles (01:31):
Uh, well, I'm, uh, native Georgian, so, oh. Um, I think I have a, a different barometer, um, than probably my, my fellow Montanans. Um, I lost my accent. So, um, for me, uh, anything above zero, I prefer <laugh>. Um, Montanans have a different, um, different take. They're like, oh, we're good. Like negative 10, negative 15. Oh, wow. I'm like, yeah, no, I really prefer to sail on the positive side of that, of the temperature <laugh>. So I'm good. 

Jessica Denson (01:54):
I feel you. I grew up in the south as well, so I feel you <laugh>. Yeah. Well, before we dive into what you're doing in Montana, and I know it's much more than broadband, so we'll also touch on that for sure. Um, I'd love to talk about some of your professional and educational background. You mentioned you're from, you're from Georgia. Um, you really actually have a really strong background that that really leads into your current role. So I'd love for you to share what you'd like from your, um, professional educational background with our audience. 

Misty Ann Giles (02:21):
Yeah, so, uh, I've been in politics, I guess if you wanna call it that, leadership public service, um, as a political appointee for about 20 years. Um, went to Georgia Southern undergrad, um, and then did some work at UGA as well, and then went back to Georgia Southern to finish up my master's degree and kind of stumbled into, um, this career. Started out working with, uh, then Governor Sonny Perdue. He was, uh, governor for the state of Georgia and his second term. And I was a policy advisor and I handled, um, criminal justice and public safety, but, um, to today's topic, also regulated industry. So I dealt with things like broadband, utilities, things like that. Um, was a budget director as well under him and Governor Nathan deal. And then I gave it all up and went to law school <laugh>. Um, I, I, wow. I've always wanted to be, I always wanted to be a lawyer since I was a little kid.

(03:06)
I was one of those weird people, um, that, you know, read law cases as a middle schooler and love law and order. Um, so that was what I really wanted to get back to. Um, so yeah, I went to University of San Diego School of Law part-time, um, given my age and all, um, did night school, um, but was editor in chief of Law Review and was a teaching assistant, things like that, and had the law job lined up and gonna go just live my life in six minute increments. And, um, former governor, sunny Perdue came off the bench, um, to run USDA under Trump one, um, and asked me to join his team and, um, incredible opportunity to work at the national level like that. So I was his senior advisor first, um, handled a litany of national and international policy issues, um, broadband being one, and then ultimately moved down to be Chief of Staff of Rural Development, um, which has about 48.

(03:53)
Well, at that time, I think it's much different now. Um, about 48, 49 programs, um, that all focus on rural America, um, about a 250 billion portfolio. Um, but of that, um, one of the stronger portfolios we had was broadband. Um, we lobbied congress to get reconnect dollars and stand that up and things like that. And then obviously 2020 was a, a different year for all of us, um, <laugh>. Yeah. And, um, um, Trump lost that election, so, um, I, like all, most folks, I was looking for a job and, um, was headed to the private sector, honestly. And I got poached in this job. Um, the governor was looking for someone with, uh, pretty significant government experience, um, to be the first chief operating officer for the state. And, um, yeah, so I moved out here. I got appointed December, 2020, moved out here in the dead of winter, 1st of January, was very cold and very icy <laugh> legislative session. Um, and then broadband got added to my portfolio. And we can talk about that kind of how Montana's journey with taken on a state program, um, those the next few months. So because of that experience that I had in working with, um, broadband previously in other roles, so, 

Jessica Denson (04:56):
So I get the feeling just talking to you in just a few minutes, that you are a ball of energy. You take on 20 things. Am I right about that? Because you seem like you just, you have so much energy. 

Misty Ann Giles (05:06):
Uh, unfortunately, yes. I don't know if I always have so much energy. It is Friday. It has been a long week. Um, but yes, um, I, I'm one of those people that I love to problem solve. I love challenges. Um, I love puzzles and things like that. So, um, I am definitely somebody that has always had a very diverse portfolio and I like that. Um, I like having a lot of different things on my desk, different types of issues, um, to work through, um, you know, and can juggle a lot. So I'll probably drop my staff a little nuts at times, <laugh>. But yeah, I, I live by list and notepads and highlighters and try to keep it all straight the best I can. So, <laugh>, 

Jessica Denson (05:40):
Before, before we dive more into what you do with the state, I don't wanna, I don't want to glaze over the fact that you were leading or a leader in the rural development with USDA, which, talk a little bit about what that does and to help people help our audience understand the role that has for rural America. Um, it's, there's, I know it's multifaceted, it's not just broadband. 

Misty Ann Giles (06:00):
Yeah. So I'm glad you asked that. And it's obviously shifted a lot since I was there under the previous administration and the current administration. But, um, rural development does have a special place in my heart 'cause I'm from a very small town. Um, I'm from rural America, USA, um, but essentially what rural development does is it serves as a lending and grant institution for only our small towns. Um, so it has business loans, um, does rental assistance. You can do community development in terms of building libraries, schools, hospitals as a water program. Um, it's where the electric program sits, um, from the days where it was created even, um, under FDR with the Rural Electrification Act, and then obviously broadband as well. Um, but their sole focus is on communities below 50,000. And then some of those grants and loans can only go to communities less than 10. So it's kind of an economic development engine, if you will, to really help communities jumpstart their economic development needs, which runs the gamut from that utility focus, things like broadband and core infrastructure to also help in private businesses and helping towns get, um, the capital they need to maybe expand a library or expand a hospital or even build a hospital in their area. So it's got a really kind of unique mission, if you will, um, and focus and just does a amazing work for our small, uh, small rural towns across the country. 

Jessica Denson (07:15):
Did they kind of set you up for, with Montana? 'cause I haven't, I have not had the pleasure of going to Montana yet, but I plan to <laugh> someday soon. And I, I imagine it, and I'm sure people who've not been there as kind of a rural state. Is it mostly rural? 

Misty Ann Giles (07:29):
Oh, yeah, it is a very rural state. So I, I thought I understood rural <laugh>. Um, being from, um, I'm originally from Dooley County, um, in Georgia, we, we cite counties more so than towns <laugh>. Um, but I'm, I'm from Vianna, Georgia. Um, but we have 159 counties. So if you ever meet somebody from Georgia, they always have to tell you the county for some reason. I don't know why love it. But I, but I grew up in a very, very small town, probably a thousand people. We have one red light, um, just because it's always been there and very, you know, big farming community, small businesses, more blue collar. And I was like, oh, yeah, I understand rural. And then obviously working at USDA, um, definitely helped see that from different states. Um, and different, just unique aspects of those states. I mean, no state is the same when you think about rural development and economic development, particularly broadband as well.

(08:14)
Um, Montana is a whole different space. Um, we're the fourth largest state in the country, but we only rank 44th in population. Wow. Um, they call us big sky state for a reason. Um, we only have 1 million people, so very low population density. And it's kind of a joke here that there's more cattle than people <laugh>. Um, and so, um, the sheer vastness of this state, um, if you look at some, uh, if you're ever, you know, wanting to be a geek and do some of the, you know, Googling around, um, from at corner to corner, um, the size of Montana, I think it's, it's actually from DC to Chicago is how big it is or something. It's, it's pretty insane, just the sheer vastness. Wow. But, um, given it is a, is a ranch state, I mean it's, you know, it's cattle, it's farming, um, things like that. So it makes it more challenging when you're talking about broadband deployment because there's not, um, always a house every few miles. It may be 10, 15, 20, 30, 50, a hundred miles before you get to kind of the next development. So when you're thinking about critical infrastructure, it can make that, um, much more complex than comparison to like my home state of Georgia or other rural states. 

Jessica Denson (09:15):
But it, for those ranchers, just, you know, people who don't understand or who've not lived in a rural area, I lived in a rural area of Oklahoma, the, it's important for ranchers and farmers to have that connection, right? Even for just herd herd health or to, to monitor pricing and different kinds of things. Isn't that correct? 

Misty Ann Giles (09:32):
Yeah. So obviously we want all of our towns and homes to be able to have, um, connectivity, you know, just for normal, um, advancement. I mean, it's no longer broadband's really no longer a luxury in my opinion, <laugh>, it's a necessity. Um, but particularly to your point with ranchers, um, technology's come a long way in terms of precision ag. Um, you know, we, our Department of Livestock, we have given them, you know, more online access with iPads and things to register the 10,000 brands they have to for the different ranchers here. Um, so having that connectivity on the ranch is really critical, um, to their overall operation of how they wanna run it. Right. If they want different types of machinery or what have you to be able to, um, you know, better their operation, the broadband's kind of the base, right. They've gotta be able to have that access even still. 

Jessica Denson (10:12):
Mm-hmm <affirmative>. So the official name of the program is Connect mt. Is that how you say it? Connect Mt. Broadband program. <laugh>, yes. Does it live within the governor's office or another department? I know you, your role is not just broadband. So talk about that where it lives and your full larger role that you have as well. 

Misty Ann Giles (10:30):
Uh, it lives in my department. So in 2021, the legislature created the Conne Connect Montana program. Um, it's the state's first broadband program. It was solely dedicated, um, to broadband deployment. Um, fortunately at that time, the ARPA dollars were also coming down the pike. Um, and our governor allocated 310 million of the American Rescue Plan Act dollars towards broadband deployment. Um, so that program sits over here with me as well. Um, in terms of my larger role, um, I am director of the Department of Administration, which houses about 10 or more. Um, I lose count some days of the backbone enterprise functions that serve all of our state agencies, all three branches of government and the university system. So things like information technology, human resources. I'm also the treasurer for the State of Montana. Um, we run all the insurance health plans, tort division data, um, kind of the list goes on and on and on. 

Jessica Denson (11:19):
Wow. 

Misty Ann Giles (11:20):
Um, but, but of those sub components, we also run the state's infrastructure program. So anytime, um, an agency needs capital development, either a new building or an add-on, um, my agency also runs that, which is part of the reason we moved broadband over here as well. Um, beyond my general experience from USDA and in the state of Georgia, um, it kind of made sense 'cause I have architects and engineers, um, they're used to building up, um, this is a different way of building, but, um, they have that level of expertise, um, to be able to partner with our contractors and other folks to really understand it in a way, um, that other agencies may not have that level of expertise on hand. 

Jessica Denson (11:56):
So you mentioned ARPA and, uh, there were other things that, uh, Montana was already doing before the broadband equity access and deployment program, more commonly called bead came through, right? Uh, Montana was already working on this issue. 

Misty Ann Giles (12:11):
Yeah. So in 21, like I said, we, um, got our first broadband program and those ARPA dollars, we work feverishly through 21 and 22 to stay on that program up whole cloth, um, was quite the experience, you know, developing the application and getting the maps and the data in and trying to figure out, um, you know, how to, how to really operate this in a seamless way. Um, both for our team as well as our companies. Um, and deployed those dollars in late 2022. And at that time, you know, deed had already been kind of out the chute and at least in terms of that original funding notice, um, states were scrambling. And so it kind of positioned us a little bit ahead of the curve. Um, 'cause we had had a lot of lessons learned and, um, trial and error, if you will. And so we quickly got to work when that, uh, initial funding notice dropped, and the Biden administration, um, deployed, um, some procurement actions to get some contract help in very quickly that summer. Um, and I've kind of been a little bit of a pace ahead. Um, a lot of states other than a handful, I know there's a kind of a pocket of us that have always kind of been out front mm-hmm <affirmative>. Um, but Montana has always kind of been that thought leader. And a lot of it is due to the fact that we had ARPA in such a good place that it out the first jump. So, 

Jessica Denson (13:15):
So you, let's fast forward to bead and where we are now. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. And, um, Montana had their, you, you had your plan going, and then things changed of course, as they do when new administrations come in. Um, you had every, every state had to rework, it wasn't just Montana, but all states had to rethink about their benefit for the bargain and that kind of thing. Were there any big changes that you saw as a result of that? Or were you guys in good shape and just had to make some adjustments? 

Misty Ann Giles (13:41):
A little bit of both. So Montana was the first state in the country to launch their application under bead, under the Biden administration mm-hmm <affirmative>. Um, so we were excited to get that out. Um, at the time of the election, we were, um, sitting on the applications. We had done the initial review, obviously with the administration changed, to your point, there's always changes. Um, we hit pause, um, uh, know some states, um, proceeded with caution, if you will, <laugh>, and kind of rode out those few months after the election. Um, instead we really sat down and talked to all of our companies about their application. Those that didn't apply, um, really tried to work with them hand in glove to understand what were their challenges, if there were policy changes through the program, would they then be interested? And, um, also worked to update our maps and other like, fine two things behind the scenes.

(14:24)
Um, so when the benefit of the bargain round came along, um, we were kind of once again positioned pretty well to hit the ground running. Um, we pretty much followed the new policy notice verbatim. Um, we, we didn't wanna make any waves. Um, we felt like we were in a good spot, so we just reversed out, um, our program, um, the things that they asked us to take out. And then we set that cost threshold, um, at 15,000 per location. Um, looking at our data, both with ARPA dollars and reconnect in Montana, we felt like that made sense. And so that also enabled us not to have another round. Um, as I know some of my sister states have gotten, um, had to go through that little three day jump where they have to go back Yeah. And kind of do the rebid. I'm so very grateful that <laugh>, um, our, our, our baseline mark hit, hit the mark that NTIA wanted. And so we were, um, kind of, you know, we're, we're sitting pretty well where we're just waiting, um, on approval now. We put our PO final proposal in on September 3rd, I think a day before the deadline <laugh>. That's, that's, uh, 

Jessica Denson (15:26):
We heard a lot of that. Um, so not only were you, you really ahead of the curve, which is good. Um, it helps make, it makes it easier to make adjustments, I would think. Um, but also you guys did a broadband audit, didn't you, before moving forward on the first plan, so you really know what your landscape looked like. 

Misty Ann Giles (15:43):
Well, we didn't really do so much of an audit. So we had had the ARPA program up and running and, um, we took kind of a different approach, um, when we did the B program, just given the complexity of that original funding notice. So with ARPA we only had a couple staffers and I only had an engineering consultant. And so, um, it was very difficult for us to run and get off the ground, just being, um, quite frank. Um, you know, I, I forgot what it's like to not have 200 broadband staffers, like when I was at the federal level <laugh>. Um, and so with Bead, um, we hire different types of experts. So we have financial experts, we have grant experts, um, engineers, people that know strategy and policy, um, and broadband nationally 

Jessica Denson (16:23):
Smart. Yeah. 

Misty Ann Giles (16:23):
And, um, kind of divided those lanes of workup, um, to also reduce my risk overall, but kind of have a different, um, train of thought. Um, I don't like group think, I like people that come at things from different angles. Um, but a big place we started, um, was with ARPA and where can we improve? Um, so we, we took a full catalog of kind of the missteps, if you will, things that cause pain for us, things that cause pain for our companies. Um, just feedback that we heard. We ran some surveys, um, of our companies to get their feedback and we took that to heart, um, as we started to build the bead program. So I don't know if I would call it an audit, but more kind of an honest assessment of what worked and what maybe could be improved upon. Um, before we just jumped right in and like, oh, we're gonna build bead. Um, we, we really wanted to figure out, you know, where were our missteps the first time so we could be more successful and make it more painless, like I said, on us. And also district companies, they put in so much work in these applications. Anything states can do to kind of help their workload, um, is a gift. 

Jessica Denson (17:23):
Oh, I've heard that from, especially smaller ISPs, <laugh>, anything, any help we can get in going through this. So I, I find that very interesting that you said that you hire these experts in these different things and you're basically getting outta their way and letting them have their thought process that they need. What do you mean by, um, you don't really like group think, you prefer to hear different angles? Is it so that you can look at problems in different ways? 

Misty Ann Giles (17:45):
Yeah, that's kind of just how I operate generally. Um, anybody on my team will tell you, I mean, I, I very much welcome um, open ideas and free flow of thinking. But when it comes to looking at the bead program, if you kind of take a hundred thousand foot step back and really look at it, it's very different. The complexities of it, right? So obviously there's a major compliance and financial component, right? Of how are we gonna hold these companies accountable and make sure we're getting the documentation that we need, the funds are getting deployed. There's also the engineering aspect looking at, you know, different types of technology. You know, that was a new flavor that most broadband programs don't have when you're comparing fixed wireless and satellite to fiber deployment. And then also just thinking about the overall strategy, um, when we had to do the, you know, five-year action plan and then initial proposal volume one, and then initial proposal volume two.

(18:32)
Um, and then obviously having expertise, um, with companies that it's their bread and butter that they work with, um, states and the federal government moving grant programs that really know those nuances. And so, um, rather than having one contractor, we really divided that up. Um, we have an executive steering committee and they all present kind of from their post. Um, it also helps us, 'cause we have a pretty small team, unlike a lot of states, um, we only hire a shell group. Um, 'cause this money is temporary. Um, and they all work in other states. They have direct ties and NTIA. And so they're always this, you know, full of information of, Hey, I heard this from this state and heard this from the hill. You know, you need to make sure you're considering this. So it kind of gives, you know, from my lens, a full s mortgage board of kinda what's going on so we can make the best decisions the first time instead of having to hit repeat and go backwards <laugh>. Um, so, which is always painful for everybody. So, um, I, I like having multiple different minds at the table that are looking at things from different angles, I guess is probably the better way to put it. 

Jessica Denson (19:28):
Well, I wanna give you props 'cause that's a fantastic way to approach that. Um, do you talk to other state broadband directors? Do you guys interact at all? 

Misty Ann Giles (19:36):
Um, honestly, no, I don't. Um, again, back to my consulting team, um, they're on the conference junket a lot. They're working with other states with their clients. Um, my team does sit on some of the calls. Um, a lot of it's just a bandwidth issue for me. Um, again, back to that kind of larger role, um, I don't get out and out and about to a lot of the conferences that they host. Um, just simply, I don't, I don't have the time to travel. So, um, yeah, you wear a lot of hats, <laugh>. So, um, not really the, the states that, um, there's a, you know, the handful of us that have kinda always been a little bit ahead, um, New Mexico and Virginia and folks like that. Um, that obviously we, we probably talk a little bit more, but, um, my, my consultants talk to 'em. So, but unfortunately for me, I, I have not as engaged as my fellow state directors, um, in this, in terms of the national, you know, going to the conferences and talking to everybody type deal. And it's, it's just product of my job. <laugh>. I 

Jessica Denson (20:26):
Totally understand. Well, well, let's talk a little bit about Montana and some of the challenges and the opportunities there. What makes Montana unique other than the fact that it is so rural and so big at the same time? Like, are there some specific challenges and opportunities for broadband? 

Misty Ann Giles (20:42):
Uh, well there's definitely a lot of challenges, right? Because back to, um, the sheer size of our state, and we have both the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains here as well. I mean the Continental divide. Um, and we have very harsh winters as well. Um, you know, we are one of those states that it's only beautiful outside for about four or five months out of the year. Otherwise it's, it's pretty, pretty cold. And that ground is frozen when you're thinking about, um, trying to put in fiber deployment and in this, uh, sheer, sheer reality as well, like we talked about already. Um, you know, there is, you know, pockets of our towns and cities where, you know, it makes that deployment much easier because there's clusters of homes. But when you get really kind of far out to that last mile, if you will, um, those locations, we've done some calculations.

(21:22)
Um, I mean, they can be north of 300,000 to serve. If we did fiber deployment, um, Montana was a state that very much welcomed the mixed technology solution and the benefit of the burden around, um, because we needed some satellite. Um, it's just, it's just a byproduct of kind of the setup of our state. Mm-hmm <affirmative>. Um, in terms of opportunities, um, governor Gianforte really prioritized economic development over the last five years, um, in try in terms of trying to bring Montanans home that may have left for other job opportunities and see if they've, you know, come back. Uh, 'cause Montana is such a fantastic place to live. Um, also just, you know, bringing new businesses in, um, that maybe wanna, you know, set up shop here and, you know, put a, I know we just got an Amazon factory, um, that's gonna get up and running in the next few months.

(22:04)
Um, things like that. But obviously those core businesses that bring jobs and growth to our communities, um, they need broadband <laugh>. So, um, that's, that's a big opportunity for us. And then also just advancements and, you know, healthcare, um, education, things like that because, um, a lot of these areas may not have the best service, um, to really have the best in class things that they need. So, um, all of this is, all of these funds are gonna go towards that as well and really help all of our localities, um, improve services where they need to. So thanks to that connectivity. 

Jessica Denson (22:34):
You touched on something that I've heard a lot, um, from people who live in rural areas or been rural areas in that, you know, you wanna bring people back to these places and, um, you know, keep the small towns alive. Um, do you find that, that that's an important part of this? 

Misty Ann Giles (22:52):
I, I do. Um, 'cause obviously, I mean, like we mentioned before, um, you know, broadband, you know, it's just not a luxury anymore. It is a necessity. I mean, if you wanna access government services, everything is online. If you need to pay your medical bill, if you need to pay your power bill, all those things are online and, you know, um, cell connectivity is not that great in Montana either. And so having that core, um, fiber running across and then also satellite availability and all that just helps folks be able to just do live, you know, do their day daily tasks that they need to do. Um, if you still wanna go out to the great outdoors and get lost and have no broadband service, trust me, Montana's got plenty of that as well, <laugh>. Um, it is, it is a great big, beautiful state, but, um, in terms of our core communities, we do need to have that because I mean, folks are gonna wanna be able to just do basic things that a lot of folks take for granted. If you have broadband, um, that's much more challenging if you don't have that service level, you know. 

Jessica Denson (23:42):
Uh, are you, as you, as you guys talk about this, the year, five years, where things are gonna be, is there con, are there conversations happening around emerging emerging technologies like ai, things like that? Or, or is it just we to get people connected and then we're gonna tackle that? Or is that all it's all in one big conversation? 

Misty Ann Giles (24:01):
Uh, well, it's one big conversation for me, but it depends on the hat. It depends on the hat that I'm wearing. 

Jessica Denson (24:07):
Uhhuh <affirmative>. Um, 

Misty Ann Giles (24:07):
So in broadband specifically, um, that's not as much of a conversation here in Montana. Um, there's kind of some other things that the companies are really concerned about that we can talk about. Um, but in my day job as director, um, we actually just hired, um, a chief AI officer for the state of Montana. Smart. Um, I think we're the first or second that was smart state to do, do so. Yeah. Um, so there, we have a chief data officer that we brought in in 2022 that their sole job has been data and analytics across the enterprise and has been a fantastic success. And so kind of replicating that model, um, to have some of these dedicated, um, to that area that can work with our state agencies and kind of figure out how to thread these things together and what makes sense for use of AI and what doesn't make sense. So, um, they just started a couple weeks ago. We're really excited, um, to get, get ahead on that journey. Um, 'cause AI definitely has a place, um, and it is the, it is the new IT thing that everybody's talking about. Yeah. 

(24:56)
But, um, we also need, you know, expertise in IT that can really help us be strategic of where, where would it make sense to really help our state employees and our functions that, you know, our citizens intersect with the government, um, to make that easier for everyone all the way around. 

Jessica Denson (25:11):
I think that's really smart to tackle it that way and go ahead and get ahead of it with an expert. And it's just say, it's kind of surprising that you're just, uh, the second state to be doing that because I've not heard many state leaders, and I do talk to a lot of them talk about that in that way. So I think that's, I think it's, uh, I, I, I'm just giving you applause. I'm giving you all your <laugh> as my, uh, I, I mentor a teenager for the YMCA and she always says, here's your flowers, Jessica, so I'm giving you your flowers. <laugh>. No, I appreciate 

Misty Ann Giles (25:42):
That. And I hope other states falls suit. Um, I cannot recall the other state that's done the same. Um, but like I said, we just had such, such success with our chief data officer model because everybody was trying to tackle data and analytics and, you know, get things out of filing cabinets and rework workflows. And it's really hard when folks have 50 other things to do during the day to dedicate the resources to that and have that expertise. And so we have a small team of, uh, I think now six people that that's all they do day in and day out for the government. And I mean, they've had just overwhelming success. Like I said, we've got teams, we've completely reworked how they do, um, their workflows. We've pulled things outta the filing cabinets, put 'em in the cloud, have real data and analytics, and we're saving some teams up to an hour a day of work. 

Jessica Denson (26:22):
That's 

Misty Ann Giles (26:23):
Fantastic. Um, just, just because they're not digging around and trying to find files, which is insane. I think we would all love an hour a day back <laugh>, um, just to do whatever in the heck we need to do. So really excited about, um, this new hire as well and the, the power of ai, what, what makes sense for the state of Montana and that next step in that next journey, um, to really help our state agencies, um, utilize those tools, um, in the next kind of phase of our IT journey. So, 

Jessica Denson (26:47):
So as we were preparing for this podcast, we were just chatting, you were saying that you're ready, you're ready for this to happen. So talk about the next year, five years, what is success for you? 

Misty Ann Giles (26:58):
Uh, I think success for us is that we get, um, all these grants out the door and all of our companies are able to actually, um, deliver on what they put in and their application and we get the montanans connected that we need. Um, um, as you did her conversationally when we were getting started. Um, you know, it, I think this is not just Montana, I think it's all states. I think it's all the providers mm-hmm <affirmative>. Um, that it has been a little bit of a whiplash the last, you know, four years with this program. Um, the bead program or the prior administration. Incredibly complex. Lot of work, lot of moving pieces, a lot of back and forth changing guidance. Um, and then obviously the benefit of the bargain around kind of jolted everybody into a different direction, <laugh>. So I think everybody has a little bit of broadband fatigue, if you will. So, um, I think not just Montana, but I think all of us, um, are really ready to see shovels go in the ground, deployment start to happen, and success is, um, no failed projects, um, that we're able to get it done and connect. Um, our 77 plus thousand montanans that still, uh, lack internet access here in our state. 

Jessica Denson (27:56):
And did, do you see shovels going to the ground in 2026? 

Misty Ann Giles (28:00):
I hope so. Um, obviously we have a trickier construction season, but um, I think, you know, no one really knows what's gonna go on at NTIA <laugh>, I think you probably know as well as I do. Um, everybody's in in the holding pattern and you, you hear it's gonna be about the end of the year, but, um, you're ready to go. Um, we've got our grant agreements done. Um, we've been finalizing some things with the companies, um, to make sure they're in a good position. So as soon as we get the the shotgun start, um, we're gonna be off to the races and make sure we lock in those agreements so our companies can start making the orders, get their workforce together, things like that. Because, um, obviously with it being winter they'll, they'll be a delay, um, but they'll need to be able to hit the ground running. Um, the second we, we, we have a little bit of inch of spring, um, in April and May. 

Jessica Denson (28:42):
So you're, you're, you're the ground, um, defrost or thaws <laugh> in, in early spring or late spring, is that kind of when that starts? Is that what you're saying? 

Misty Ann Giles (28:52):
Yeah, it varies here in Montana, but um, usually our companies, usually, if it's it cool, it warms up a little bit in April and then it, the weather does the classic thing that does out here in Montana where you be 70 degrees one day and snowing the next Oh wow. <laugh>. Um, but at least, but at least it warms up enough where, um, the companies can start to get to work. So we really want them to have those grants in hand come first of the year so they can get their project plans going and if they can get to work sooner, fantastic. Um, but we, we know they've gotta be able to hit that construction season, which for Montana starts in about April or May and then runs till about this time of year. But it is a little bit shorter, um, then in comparison to like Georgia for example, where you can pretty much build year round, um, 'cause it's always hot 

Jessica Denson (29:33):
<laugh>. Yeah, makes sense. <laugh> opposite problem. Well, I feel like I could talk to you all day because you're just, you're fascinating and all these roles that you have played and things that you're doing, but I know I can't 'cause I know you're busy <laugh>. So was there anything that you thought we should touch on or is there anything that you really want people to take away about today's conversation regarding the Montana Broadband office and what the work that you're doing there? 

Misty Ann Giles (29:55):
No, I think I just would, you know, I'd be remiss if I didn't give a shout out. Um, a first and foremost to my team, um, they have been a small army of dedicated, um, hardworking and also just a ball of fun to work with individuals as well as my contracting folks, um, that have, it's, it is definitely a team effort getting all of this work done and a huge thanks to all the companies, not just in Montana, but across the company country, um, for bearing with states like Montana and their states as well, um, to navigate the complexity of this program. But I think in the end, it's, it's gonna do a lot of good. This is money well spent, um, it's gonna be really impactful for the citizens that I serve, as well as other citizens across this country. So really excited just to get shovels in the ground, satellites in the air, and fix wireless rolling so we can get folks online and connected. 

Jessica Denson (30:37):
Yeah, I'm excited to, to watch what Montana does, especially since you're the first and you, you keep on <laugh> keeping on it. It's pretty amazing. Um, well thank you so much Miss Ann. I really appreciate your time today. 

Misty Ann Giles (30:50):
No, thank you all for the invite and, uh, look forward to further conversation. 

Jessica Denson (30:55):
Yeah, I would love to do an update down the road when you guys have had started, got those shovels in the ground and the, the ground is thought 

Misty Ann Giles (31:02):
<laugh>. Well thank y'all again for, um, taking the time and I know everybody's gonna love listening to my Southern accent on a podcast because it sounds awesome when it's micd. Um, but really appreciate the interest and y'all focusing in on this program. 'cause um, like I said, the states are doing a lot of great work, um, to get these funds deployed as well as our companies. It is a true partnership of both, um, to get all this done for the country. So really excited to see what's to come in the next few months. 

Jessica Denson (31:24):
Yeah, partnership is a good way to put it. Again, we've been talking to Misty Ann Giles who leads the Montana Broadband program. I'll include a link to connect Mt. Broadband program with a description of this podcast. I'm Jessica Sen. Thanks for listening to Connect Nation. If you like our show and wanna know more about us, head to connect nation.org or look for the latest episodes on iTunes, iHeartRadio, Google Podcast, Pandora, or Spotify.