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Montana Grants Uber License to Operate in State

PSC officials say the company can begin to operate in the state immediately

By Dillon Tabish

HELENA — Montana has granted the ride-hailing company Uber a license to operate in the state, though the company’s plans are unclear.

The Public Service Commission voted 4-1 Tuesday to approve its first-ever Technology Network Carrier license to Uber subsidiary Rasier-MT.

The new class of license is for firms that use smartphone apps to hail rides.

PSC officials say the company can begin to operate in the state immediately.

Uber spokeswoman Taylor Patterson declined to discuss plans to launch in the state, but said the company is excited to connect Montana residents with rides in the future.

The sole dissenting vote came from Commissioner Bob Lake, who said companies holding the new license will have an unfair advantage compared to other businesses.

»»» What is Uber? The Beacon wrote about ride-sharing in May.