Kansas using $43 million grant to improve statewide internet access

TOPEKA (KSNT) — Kansans can soon expect better internet coverage across the state.

The Kansas Office of Broadband Development broke ground on the “Freestate Middle Mile Network” program on Wednesday, June 18. It’s designed to expand internet access for thousands across Kansas.

The program is being funded by a $43 million-dollar federal grant. It will create a 670-mile fiber optic network, creating new internet exchange points throughout the state.

Kansas Secretary of Transportation Calvin Reed said the project will benefit rural communities the most.

“I see a lot of potential for businesses to stay in small towns and for those schools and people who live in rural areas to be able to connect just as well as if you were in an urban area,” Reed said.

Ethan Kaplan, director of Broadband Advocacy from Ideatek, said it benefits Kansas economically as well.

“What this will do is it will provide access to telehealth, remote work, being able to fill out online applications, things of that nature that really help to boost the Kansas economy as a whole,” Kaplan said.

State officials said it is too early to know what federal funding for broadband access will look like moving forward. President Donald Trump recently took away a separate $8 million dollar grant from Kansas for a similar project.

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