The Helena City Commission voted 5-0 on September 29 to approve first passage of an ordinance granting Blackfoot Communications Inc. an access agreement to construct, operate, and maintain a telecommunications system within city limits.
Assistant City Attorney Pettish explained to commissioners that the agreement is structured differently from a standard franchise agreement. Because Blackfoot operates solely as an internet connectivity provider — not a cable television company — it falls outside the regulatory framework that typically governs franchise deals with the city. The access agreement is the appropriate legal vehicle for this type of provider.
Blackfoot Communications is a Montana-based telecommunications company with existing infrastructure across the region. The first-passage vote opens the ordinance to a required second reading before it takes full effect. Helena residents who rely on or are considering Blackfoot service would be subject to the terms of the agreement once it clears final passage.