(The Center Square) – Kansas has been awarded $28.5 million in broadband infrastructure grants from the Lasting Infrastructure and Network Connectivity (LINC) program. The LINC program offers funding to expand broadband connectivity by reducing the cost of internet service, increasing availability, and improving performance, according to Kansas Governor Laura Kelly’s office.
“LINC is another step forward in our promise to connect all Kansans, including in rural areas, to high-speed internet,” Kelly said. “We are empowering communities with high-speed broadband infrastructure, unlocking greater economic growth, increased access to telemedicine, and expanded educational opportunities. ”
Adding in matching funds from service providers, the total broadband investment in LINC will exceed $33.9 million.
The LINC funding will focus on the following, according to the release:
Broadband Infrastructure, enabling end-user locations with a minimum of 100/20 Mbps speeds.Internet Exchange Point facilities to improve the overall internet access service quality for all Kansans.Middle Mile infrastructure to reduce overall costs in delivering broadband to end-users.
“As we continue to lead the nation in business development, robust broadband becomes even more critical for attracting new businesses and remote workers to the state,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “We will continue to work with partners across Kansas to ensure all communities have the high-speed broadband they need to compete and succeed.”
Kansas hopes to use these awards to push towards its goal of being one of the 10 best states for broadband, “shaping a future where every Kansan can leverage the full potential of the digital landscape,” a release said.
“This is another important investment in high-speed broadband infrastructure so robust economic growth can be fully realized by Kansans residing in every corner of our state,” Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, said. “Businesses now know Kansas is committed to digital success.”
Millions of Americans still lack high-speed internet despite the federal government spending billions hoping to expand it.
Between 2015 and 2020, over 100 federal programs managed by 15 different agencies spent a combined $44 billion to try to improve broadband access, according to the Government Accountability Office.
Yet, over 8.3 million American homes and businesses lack high-speed internet access, according to the Federal Communications Commission. Additionally, different agencies disagree on what constitutes “broadband access.” Therefore, even after people gain faster internet access, some agencies still consider them underserved.