In 1993 the Montana Board of Regents created a center at Montana State University to develop and demonstrate cost-effective telecommunications applications and distant learning strategies. They named the center for U. S. Senator Conrad Burns, known for advocating the use of telecommunications to meet local and national needs and as a leader in national communication legislation.

As a former radio and television broadcaster in the state of Montana, Senator Burns is well aware of the role communication plays in improving life in rural areas and vitalizing communities across the nation. He authored Section 706 of the 1996 Telecommunications Act and has continued to advocate important telecom discussions and legislation.

Senator Burns' vision of using telecommunications to end physical and cultural isolation and to enrich learning intersects well with the mission of the center—to create dynamic learning experiences using innovative methods.

"Montana’s rural and widely dispersed population make it a natural 'test bed' for innovative telecommunications uses," the Senator explains. "The BTC uses this environment to create and test new learning models. The most successful of these are implemented as sustainable programs by the Center, by the university, or their partner organizations."

Currently, Senator Burns serves as the Honorary Chairman of the BTC's National Advisory Board.