Jerrod KingeryBroadband internet access is coming to more residents of the Sunflower State.
Applications are now open for the National Telecommunications Information and Administration (NTIA) Internet for All initiative in Kansas.
As part of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) is currently taking applications to distribute $451.7 million allocated to expand high-speed internet service to all Kansans.
RELATED: Colorado accepting applications for $826.5 million in BEAD funding
The application window opened on Oct. 21 and allows eligible applicants to apply for project areas requiring high-speed internet.
Eligible applicants include local governments, tribal governments, non-profit organizations and those authorized to provide broadband services in the proposed service areas.
Those who apply will be considered on their cost-effectiveness, consumer affordability, fair labor practices, technology, speed to deployment and community engagement.
“This is a historic moment for Kansas; we are empowering current and future generations with opportunity through high-speed internet connection,” says Joseph Le, interim director of the Office of Broadband Development. “By leaning into the BEAD process, we continue to unlock and multiply opportunities across the state — and we signal that Kansas is future-ready, right here and right now.”
The BEAD program prioritizes serving locations that have no internet access or that only have access speeds under 25/3 megabits per second (Mbps) and underserved locations where access under 100/20 Mbps.
The application window closes on Dec. 5. The KOBD will be holding virtual office hours to assist with the BEAD technical application on the dates listed below:
- Oct. 24 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Nov. 7 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Nov. 21 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
You can register for the virtual office hours here.
