State officials had announced in June 2023 their intent to deploy 682 miles of fiber optics, with nearly $43 million in funding from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)'s Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program (EMMBI).
The NTIA awarded $940.3 million, with rounding, to 37 entities for middle-mile expansion. The funding was part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which included $65 billion for nationwide broadband initiatives ranging from backbone and last-mile installations to equity and connectivity programming. Under the current presidential administration, some equity-focused programs, including the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, are under review.
But states including Kansas, Texas and New Mexico are pushing forward on broadband and connectivity with various sources of funding. Texas recently released a notice of funding opportunity for its BEAD program. New Mexico has almost $49.9 million in EMMBI funds and $675.4 million in BEAD funding, according to its website — and officials are seeking a director for the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion.
In April, Kansas leaders enacted a bill that reclassified telecommunications and broadband infrastructure as critical infrastructure. Officials have set a goal to put the state in the top 10 for broadband access by 2030. One factor in doing so is $452 million in federal funding from BEAD programming.
“The Freestate Network represents yet another transformative step in strengthening our digital future by laying the groundwork for long-term growth and connectivity in our communities,” Gov. Laura Kelly said in a statement Monday. A network groundbreaking event is set for June 18 at Emporia State University.
Project partners, according to a project overview, include the state’s Office of Broadband Development, under the purview of the Kansas Department of Commerce, as the grant’s pass-through entity; the Department of Transportation, which will own the network infrastructure; IdeaTek, a design, engineering and construction firm that will manage infrastructure operations and maintenance; KanREN, a network tenant that will help serve community anchor institutions; and CTC Technology and Energy, a consultant on grant and project services.
“Similar to transportation systems, reliable Internet requires multiple pathways, and by opening access, we can increase opportunities for more connections and collaboration across the state,” Bill Abston, director of the Kansas Office of Broadband Development, said in a statement. “With these resources, we are empowering Internet providers to innovate and partner more effectively.”
