Earlier in the week, Governor Laura Kelly signed an Executive Order to establish the Office of Broadband Development.
She also announced that nearly $50 million will be distributed to underserved and vulnerable communities via the Connectivity Emergency Response Grant (CERG).
Through expanding broadband access to Kansans, the administration’s aim is to create more economic development opportunities while increasing access to education and health care.
The Office of Broadband Development intends to annually evaluate and report on the current affordability and quality of broadband providers in the state. They will also develop strategies that will lead to construction of broadband infrastructure in order to eventually achieve universal broadband access for Kansas homes and businesses.
Additionally, the office will develop and promote policies that make high-quality service more accessible and affordable to underserved and vulnerable communities in the state.
