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KSN News
12 Kansas ISPs receive $10 million to expand rural broadband
By Wil Day,
6 hours ago
TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW) — Twelve Kansas Internet Service Providers have received $10 million to expand access to broadband internet in rural areas of the state.
The award is part of the Broadband Acceleration Grants matching program. The $10 million will be paired with $12.7 million in matching funds from the internet providers.
The Broadband Acceleration Grant is a 10-year, $85 million program from the IKE Transportation Program designed to provide essential internet access to rural areas of the state. It began in 2020 and, according to the latest announcement, has invested $41.5 million.
“Focusing on economically distressed areas, these awards are designed to meet the need for all Kansans to have access to high-speed internet,” says Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. “Expanding opportunities for remote work, education, and fuller participation in the digital economy makes broadband infrastructure projects in alignment with our goal to make Kansas the best state to live, work, and raise a family.”
The grant recipients are:
Awardee
County
Award Amount
Match
Premises Connected
Brightspeed
Wilson
$474,114
$1,219,153
574
Cunningham Comms.
Cloud
$841,684
$855,860
82
GBT Comms.
Stafford
$179,136
$179,136
92
IdeaTek
Butler
$900,000
$957,833
617
KanOkla Networks
Sumner
$950,000
$1,649,335
148
KwiKom
Allen
$950,000
$1,053,069
159
KwiKom
Coffey
$950,000
$1,208,983
173
Midco
Douglas
$840,000
$925,900
278
Midco
Leavenworth
$950,000
$1,540,708
370
Nex-Tech
Phillips
$637,000
$596,000
190
Pioneer Comms.
Grant
$514,751
$504,751
50
Rainbow Comms.
Doniphan
$653,256
$800,150
99
TCW Broadband
Marion
$460,927
$459,427
85
WTC
Riley
$699,132
$772,724
89
courtesy State of Kansas
“Bringing broadband to rural Kansas is critically important for those communities to thrive,” says Senate President Ty Masterson. “These additional grants serve as an on-ramp for all Kansans who need reliable digital access to succeed in whatever career path they choose.”
“Kansas rural communities need reliable broadband access to help support and encourage economic growth, education opportunities, healthcare infrastructure, and innovation in their areas,” says House Speaker Rep. Dan Hawkins. “That’s why, as part of the Legislature’s focus on rural revitalization, this initiative was included as part of the IKE Transportation Program. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these Broadband Acceleration Grants will have on these communities and Kansas as a whole.”
“Access to broadband is essential for Kansas communities to thrive,” says Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed. “Continued investment through the IKE Transportation Program and leveraging the state’s highway assets supports broadband infrastructure to bridge the digital divide in Kansas.”
For more about the Broadband Acceleration Grant Program, click here .
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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