Governor Mike Parson has announced 16 broadband projects from eight broadband providers will receive more than $3 million through the state’s Emergency Broadband Investment Program and connect almost 2,000 Missouri households.
A news release says in July, six programs were created within the nearly $50 million Rapid Broadband Deployment Initiative which uses the state’s CARES Act funding. The Emergency Broadband Investment Program has been allocated up to $20 million, and the Governor’s announcement highlights the first round of recipients.
The program was designed to reimburse providers that have expanded, or plan to connect, high-speed internet to residents in unserved or underserved areas in the state in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Providers will utilize funds to assist with construction costs for new broadband expansion to households with students or vulnerable populations.
In the KMMO listening area:
Chariton Valley Communications – Keyetesville Chariton Valley Communications Corporation will extend fiber-to-the-home service with the assistance of $219,671 to connect up to 317 households in Keyetesville. The project will allow users access to 1 Gbps/ 1 Gbps service.
Chariton Valley Communications – Brookfield East Project Chariton Valley Communications Corporation will extend fiber-to-the-home service with the assistance of $71,902 to connect up to 123 households on the east side of Brookfield. The project will allow users access to 1 Gbps/ 1 Gbps service.
Chariton Valley Communications – Brookfield West Project Chariton Valley Communications Corporation will extend fiber-to-the-home service with the assistance of $226,118 to connect up to 232 households on the west side of Brookfield. The project will allow users access to 1 Gbps/ 1 Gbps service.
AirLink Rural Broadband, LLC – Glasgow
AirLink Rural Broadband, LLC will construct a fiber-to-the-home service in Glasgow with the assistance of $578,783. This project will improve internet service to 400 households in Glasgow, and will enable delivery of broadband at speeds of at least 1 Gbps/100 Mbps to the city.
Socket Telecom, LLC
Fayette- Socket Telecom, LLC, will construct a fiber-to-the-premise network to the south-central part of Fayette with the assistance of $129,086. The project will provide new access to 240 households. Once constructed, Socket will provide internet service at speeds up to 1 Gbps/100 Mbps.