Kansas

Future Proofing and Partnerships

 In June 2023, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced a more than $42.5 million investment in Kansas’ middle mile infrastructure through its Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure (Middle Mile) Program. This collaborative public-private partnership, involving the Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas Office of Broadband Development, Kansas Department of Transportation, KanREN, and industry partners, will construct a 682 mile open-access fiber network to advance last mile investment, increase competition, and reduce transport costs by connecting local community networks to major networks.

Community- Based Engagements

Kansas leveraged the $692,000 Digital Equity Planning Act Grant to host an inaugural statewide Kansas Broadband Summit in January 2023 and a statewide listening tour. These 34 community convenings engaged stakeholders across the state to capture key public input regarding the need for Internet access, digital skills training, device access, and affordability considerations while informing the state’s Digital Equity plan development.

Connecting Locations to Economic Opportunities

NTIA worked with the state to create a plan on how to deploy a historic $452 million investment in broadband infrastructure through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Infrastructure investments through these funds will connect unserved and underserved locations across the state to high-speed Internet, creating economic opportunities and catalyzing workforce opportunities. 

Leveraging Mapping Resources

Driven by the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program priority to identify unserved and underserved locations throughout the state, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development leveraged NTIA and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mapping resources and licensing agreements to develop a comprehensive broadband data map for the state. The state combined self-reported data from Internet Service Providers (ISPs), community stakeholders, and state assets to identify high-need areas, enable targeted broadband deployment, and inform a statewide plan to address equitable access priorities.

Building Partnerships with Sovereign Tribal Nations

Working in partnership with NTIA’s Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP) team, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development in partnership with the Kansas Native American Affairs Office consulted with Kansas’ sovereign Tribal Nations to garner feedback on the priorities, plans, and opportunities to address unmet needs of Kansas Tribes.

Connecting Tribal Nations to High-Speed Access

NTIA awarded nearly $5 million in TBCP grants for infrastructure deployment and use and adoption to three Tribal Nations. These grants will address the high-speed broadband access needs of the Kickapoo Tribe of Indians of the Kickapoo Reservation in Kansas, the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, and the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation.

Creating Technological Opportunities in Kansas

As the first state recipient of the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Digital Connectivity Technology (DCT) Program, Kansas received a $14.7 million funding investment emphasizing its pioneering efforts to promote equal access to high-speed Internet, including distributing devices and expanding digital skills training in Kansas communities.