Gov. Laura Kelly announced Monday that Kansas will receive $451.7 million in funding to support broadband infrastructure construction to connect all Kansans, ensuring access to high-speed internet across the state, according to a news release from her office.
“My administration is committed to ensuring every Kansan, regardless of their zip code, has access to fast and reliable internet connectivity, bringing additional economic growth, educational opportunities, and telehealth services,” Kelly said. “This funding advances our progress toward being a top 10 state for broadband access by 2030.”
This investment is made possible through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program as part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The federal infrastructure bill received just one Kansas vote in Congress via Rep. Sharice Davids, a Roeland Park Democrat.
Republicans Jake LaTurner of Topeka and Tracey Mann of Salina voted against, as did Ron Estes, whose district includes Wichita and the Cowley County area.
In the U.S. Senate, Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall, both Republicans, voted against.
Overall, eight Republicans joined all 200 Democrats in passing the infrastructure bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, while 19 Republicans joined all 50 Democrats in the Senate.
Monday, Moran’s office responded to the funding announcement emphasizing the importance of accessible high-speed internet access across the state and that he has been working to update broadband coverage maps since 2019.
“In this digital age, access to reliable internet can determine the success of farms, businesses and even health care in rural communities,” Moran stated via an email from his office. “Every taxpayer dollar should be used efficiently and in a way that best serves Americans, which is why I have been working with the Federal Communications Commission to update broadband maps before this funding was allocated.
“The accuracy of these maps will make certain funding reaches places in need of broadband access and does not overbuild areas that already have internet access. I will continue to use my Appropriations Subcommittee and Commerce Committee roles to conduct oversight of federal broadband deployment programs.”
The BEAD Program, which is led by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration office at the U.S. Department of Commerce, will provide a total of $42.45 billion to State Broadband Offices to expand broadband to unserved areas across the country.
“Kansas’ current broadband system does not operate at the needed level for folks across our state to efficiently access crucial resources such as employment opportunities, virtual learning, and health care,” Davids stated in the governor’s news release. “This new federal investment is a huge step forward in closing the digital gap and keeping our communities connected.
“I am proud to have voted for the bipartisan infrastructure law that continues to make a positive impact on the lives of Kansas families.”
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland echoed Davids.
“Connectivity is essential in today’s digital world, and this major investment in Kansas is a testament to our commitment to bring high-speed broadband to all parts of the state,” Toland said. “With this funding, we will make significant strides in connecting underserved areas and empowering businesses, students, and residents with the technology they need to prosper.”
In anticipation of this funding, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development is completing work on strategic plans for broadband access and digital equity. Data is still being collected to better understand broadband needs, in order to deploy this funding efficiently
The Kansas Office of Broadband Development is encouraging Kansans to complete a speed test and participate in the process.
To participate, residents should visit the official website, broadbandks.com, where they can complete a quick and simple online speed test. This test, which only takes a few minutes, will provide valuable data on internet connectivity throughout the state, according to the governor’s office.
“This historic investment gives Kansas the greatest opportunity to date to end the digital divide,” said Kansas Broadband Director, Jade Piros de Carvalho. “We are excited to continue doing the work to ensure every Kansan can fully engage in the economy.”
