Missouri’s $816 Million Broadband Expansion: Bridging the Digital Divide
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Last Thursday, Governor Mike Kehoe and the Department of Economic Development’s (DED) Office of Broadband Development (OBD) shared major news for the state. They announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has officially approved Missouri’s broadband expansion plan.
Consequently, the state will award more than $814 million to improve connectivity. This massive investment aims to bring high-speed internet to more than 200,000 unserved and underserved locations throughout Missouri.
Essential Infrastructure for the Future
Governor Mike Kehoe emphasized the importance of this development.
“High-speed internet is no longer a luxury—it’s essential infrastructure,” said Governor Kehoe. “We thank the Trump Administration and NTIA for approving Missouri’s plan to invest more than $814 million to expand broadband access to over 200,000 of the most difficult to serve locations in our state.”
Furthermore, the Governor highlighted the broader impact of the initiative.
“This investment strengthens our economy, supports rural communities, and creates new opportunities for families and businesses across Missouri.”
Implementation and Timeline
The NTIA, which is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, approved Missouri’s Final Proposal on January 6. This falls under the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.
As a result, the OBD can now enter into agreements with awarded internet service providers. These agreements will allow providers to extend high-speed broadband networks to areas that need them most. Once signed, providers will have four years to fulfill their obligations and complete the networks.
A Collaborative Achievement
Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development, praised the hard work behind the scenes.
“I want to congratulate and applaud our broadband team for their extraordinary work to reach this milestone,” Hataway said. “Their dedication, expertise, and tireless collaboration with partners across the state made NTIA’s approval possible. This achievement reflects their commitment to expanding connectivity and improving the lives of Missourians in every corner of our state.”
Adjustments to Eligibility
Prior to submitting the Final Proposal, the OBD published a summary of provisional awards. However, the NTIA’s approval process did result in some changes. Specifically, approximately 7,200 locations lost their eligibility.
This occurred for two main reasons. First, some locations were removed from the Federal Communication Commission’s National Broadband Map. Alternatively, providers reported plans for service during the State’s challenge process.
BJ Tanksley, Director of the Office of Broadband Development, expressed excitement about moving forward.
“We’re thrilled to have reached this significant point in the process of connecting all Missourians,” Tanksley said. “Our team has worked tirelessly alongside providers and stakeholders statewide to prepare a proposal that benefits as many locations as possible. We sincerely appreciate the contributions of all our partners who helped make this approval a reality.”
Technology Breakdown and Allocation
The approved Final Proposal includes awards for various types of technology. The breakdown is as follows:
- End-to-end fiber: 166,750 locations (82%)
- Low-earth orbit satellite: 23,378 locations (12%)
- Fixed wireless: 11,494 locations (6%)
- Co-axial cable: 2,212 locations (1%)
Additionally, the OBD successfully followed the Restructuring Policy Notice. As a result, they awarded all eligible locations while saving $900 million of Missouri’s total $1.7 billion BEAD allocation. Moving forward, the OBD will look to the NTIA for guidance on how to use these remaining funds. The goal is to advance plans for crucial investments in Missouri’s economic competitiveness.
For more detailed information, a table showing the number of locations awarded by provider is available at this link. Furthermore, the final award for each eligible location is searchable by address and will be available at broadbandmap.mo.gov in early January.
About the Office of Broadband Development
The Office of Broadband Development (OBD) focuses on addressing broadband availability. Additionally, they work to remove non-infrastructure barriers that prevent full participation in the digital economy. They achieve this by working with providers, communities, and stakeholders to expand broadband deployment across the state.
OBD’s “Connecting All Missourians” initiative includes an extensive public engagement process. This process informs plans for programs funded by the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, which is part of the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act (IIJA).
To learn more about the Office of Broadband Development or its programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.
About the Missouri Department of Economic Development
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth. They do this by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries. Moreover, the DED focuses on strengthening communities, developing a talented workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. Through its various initiatives, DED helps create opportunities for all Missourians to prosper.
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