As proposed at the meeting, the working group would consist of city, county, business, education, economic development and health care leaders. The committee took no action on the request.

“It’s a way to make a game-changing difference in creating high-paying jobs in our community,” Copple said. “But the train is leaving the station. Butte is already pursing this and is ahead, and Bozeman is a year out from beginning construction.”

Alex Philp, founder and president of GCS, said successful communities have already moved beyond the debate over broadband costs and have or are now taking action.

The longer city leaders debate the needs, he said, the further behind Missoula will fall. That will cost local businesses opportunities to grow while hurting their chances to attract new investors and skilled workers.

“This discussion wouldn’t be happening in cities that care about commerce,” Philp said. “The university is committed to the 21st century, our public schools want to be in the 21st century, and businesses that want to stay here need to be able to compete in the 21st century.”