Broadband delivery just got a little better in the Columbia Basin
By Contributor
In an effort to expand broadband internet in the Columbia Basin, the Columbia Basin Trust signed an agreement with Columbia Mountain Open Network (CMON) Wednesday to acquire CMON’s broadband assets.
The assets will be managed by the Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation (CBBC), a new wholly-owned subsidiary of CBT formed in an effort to expand broadband in the Basin.
CBT will now make strategic investments in broadband infrastructure and work with partners to assist communities interested in providing broadband to their region.
“CBT saw the opportunity to continue the work of CMON in bringing broadband to the Basin,” said Neil Muth, CBT president and CEO. “The organization has played an extremely valuable role in bringing broadband to parts of the Basin and further expansion of CMON’s vision for the region requires additional resources that CBT is able to provide.”
CMON and CBT have worked closely together in the past and the acquisition by CBT will ensure the existing assets are maintained by a local organization with the capacity to move forward with a regional broadband strategy.
Following the acquisition by CBT, CMON will be winding down its operations.
“As we all know, high-speed internet, which is enabled by a robust broadband infrastructure, plays a significant role in our daily lives,” said Muth. “For example, it connects our citizens, enables our businesses to remain competitive in a global economy, provides educational opportunities for youth and augments the delivery of health and government services to our communities.”
