Monday, July 20, 2009
Kansas Department of Commerce launches Connect Kansas broadband initiative
TOPEKA ─ The Kansas Department of Commerce today launched Connect Kansas, a new initiative designed to increase broadband Internet access throughout rural Kansas.
The initiative, which seeks to be funded primarily by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, comprises two key components: mapping Kansas’ current broadband capacity; and providing federal grants and loans to qualified organizations involved in expanding broadband to rural areas.
The initial mapping is funded by a major grant from the Information Network of Kansas and assistance from Kansas Farm Bureau. The grants and loans come from the U.S. departments of Commerce and Agriculture as part of the 2009 stimulus plan. The Kansas Department of Commerce, in conjunction with a team of cooperating state agencies, is leading the Connect Kansas initiative.
Mapping
The first component of Connect Kansas is the mapping of the state's current broadband capacity. Internet service providers, businesses and citizens are asked to visit http://www.connectkansas.org/ to contribute data to the mapping process. Kansans can also visit the site to test their connection speed and learn about broadband in their area. Updated maps will be available on the site as data are submitted. The site and its maps are being maintained by Connected Nation, a national nonprofit that specializes in broadband and related technologies.
Federal Grants and Loans
Kansas organizations and Internet service providers are invited to apply for federal funding intended to improve broadband Internet access in rural areas. The funding is available through two federal programs:
- Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utilities Service, BIP will make loans and grants primarily to Internet service providers for broadband infrastructure projects in rural areas.
- Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications Information Administration, BTOP will provide grants to various organizations ─ such non-profits, educational institutions, libraries and hospitals ─ to fund broadband infrastructure, public computer centers and sustainable broadband adoption projects.
“We’re excited to launch the Connect Kansas initiative, and we look forward to bringing high-speed Internet to all regions of our state,” said Secretary of Commerce David D. Kerr. “This initiative will allow us to better serve rural Kansas and help with national economic recovery efforts by creating jobs and encouraging investment in new infrastructure. I encourage all Kansas businesses and service providers to contribute to the mapping process by visiting http://www.connectkansas.org/ and to explore the development of new technologies in their region.”
In preparation for today’s launch, the Kansas Department of Commerce in recent months has arranged meetings with the telecommunications industry and hosted regional forums to discuss broadband resources. The Department is also managing a contract with Connected Nation for the development and maintenance of http://www.connectkansas.org/.
For more information, contact Joe Monaco, Public Information Officer with the Kansas Department of Commerce, at (785) 296-3760 or jmonaco@kansascommerce.org.
