Submitted
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that $10 million has been awarded to 12 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the latest round of Broadband Acceleration Grants. The awards will be paired with an additional $12.7 million in matching funds, resulting in an investment of nearly $22.7 million for high-speed broadband access projects across 14 rural Kansas counties.
“By connecting every region of the state to reliable high-speed internet, we can ensure Kansans have the resources to invest in themselves and our state,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Broadband drives innovation, unlocks potential, and ensures everyone can participate in services essential for economic, educational, and industrial growth.”
Initiated in 2020, the Broadband Acceleration Grant is a 10-year, $85 million program designed to bring essential internet access to Kansas communities. Administered by the Kansas Office of Broadband Development and funded through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), this latest round of grants brings the program’s total investment for broadband infrastructure to more than $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,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “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.”
“Bringing broadband to rural Kansas is critically important for those communities to thrive,” Senate President Ty Masterson said. “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,” House Speaker Rep. Dan Hawkins said. “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,” Kansas Department of Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said. “Continued investment through the IKE Transportation Program and leveraging the state’s highway assets supports broadband infrastructure to bridge the digital divide in Kansas.”
The projects were selected after review by an executive committee and public comment. The public comment period ensures transparency. Comments and community feedback are considered during the selection process.
“High-speed internet is foundational to thriving in the modern world. Through the Broadband Acceleration Grant, we continue to see an increased need and community support for broadband buildout,” Interim Broadband Director Joseph Le said. “Our office will continue our commitment to connecting and empowering all Kansans, no matter the region of the state in which they are located.”
The 2024 Broadband Acceleration 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