10.4.24 – Telecompetitor – by Laura Stepanek
With a stated goal to make Kansas a top 10 state for broadband by 2030, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly this week announced that the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) will open the application process for BEAD funding on October 21.
The Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program has allocated $451.7 million to the state for bringing high-speed internet to all Kansas residents.
“Our state continues to build on this critical infrastructure, connecting communities and innovators. This historic investment will have a long-lasting impact across Kansas and continue to support our education, health care, and workforce growth,” Governor Kelly said in the announcement.
Once the application window opens following the 21-day project review period, eligible applicants will be allowed to apply for 403 project areas with 52,343 locations needing high-speed internet. The governor’s office outlined that applications will be scored on their cost-effectiveness, consumer affordability, fair labor practices, technology, speed to deployment, and community engagement.
Eligible applicants for the Kansas broadband funds include local governments, Tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, and those authorized to provide broadband services in the proposed service areas.
The governor’s office pointed out several highlights of the BEAD program, including:
- Qualifying program speed of 100/20 Mbps
- Requirement of 25% matching funds (with the option to apply for match waiver via NTIA)
- Consumer affordability
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland emphasized the administration’s commitment to providing universal broadband coverage to every home, business, farm, and community anchor institution in Kansas.
“Through partnerships and community engagement, Kansas is setting the gold standard for the entire country for how to roll out future-proof technologies, improve the lives of its citizens, and stimulate economic growth across every region of the state,” Toland said.
The Kansas Office of Broadband Development plans to have a technical assistance webinar available prior to the launch of the portal, with continued availability of technical assistance and engagement opportunities.
The project funding rounds will open on October 21 and close on December 5. The BEAD program is administered by the National Telecommunications Information and Administration (NTIA).
Additional information about Kansas broadband, including state funding resources, awards made, and state-specific coverage, can be found on the Telecompetitor Broadband Nation webpage for the state.