Thank you to all of those who attended the Connecting All Missourians Regional Listening Session in Clinton and Nevada. The feedback provided will guide the creation of a 5-year Infrastructure Plan and Missouri’s Digital Equity Plan as Missouri prepares to pursue federal broadband funding to connect unserved and underserved Missourians. Presentation slides from the meetings are now available for download: https://ded2.mo.gov/…/kaysinger-basin-presentation-slides
Help Us Spread the Word: FCC Broadband Map Challenge Process
The Department of Economic Development issued the below information to media and broadband stakeholders regarding the FCC’s broadband map challenge process.
As the state strives to ensure all Missourians can get connected to quality, high-speed internet, we would greatly appreciate your help in spreading the word.
Missourians have until January 13 to file challenges to newly released maps of broadband coverage to be considered when determining Missouri’s share of federal broadband funding. The Office of Broadband Development encourages Missourians to make sure their homes, businesses, and communities are correctly represented on the maps to ensure locations are eligible for funding and receive their fair share.
The FCC map will determine how much of more than $42 billion in funding will come to the state through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, a component of the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act (IIJA). In 2023, Missouri will use BEAD funding for its Connecting All Missourians initiative, which aims to provide high-quality internet to every home and business statewide.
Navigating the Process
The challenge process should be straightforward and user-friendly. Anyone interested in participating can find guidance from the Office of Broadband Development here or at their local University of Missouri Extension office. A how-to video, document, and FAQs are also now available. The goal is to identify any areas with potential errors for targeted outreach and challenges. Errors could be related to the location of serviceable areas or what services are available. If you see issues or have data to establish large-scale errors, email [email protected].