Federal government approves Missouri’s initial $1.7 billion plan to expand broadband network

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KY3) – The Missouri Department of Economic Development announced Thursday that its initial proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program has been approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

With this approval, the state has access to more than $1.7 billion in program funds, an amount greater than all but two states: California and Texas.

Funding was determined based on reported areas of the state that are underserved or require different services.

“We are excited to reach this milestone in our goal of statewide Internet access,” said BJ Tanksley, director of the Office of Broadband Development. “The approval of Missouri’s initial BEAD proposal is a major accomplishment that brings us even closer to a fully connected future. This success was made possible by the feedback and hard work of many stakeholders and citizens whom we gratefully call partners in connecting all Missourians.”

The office estimates that more than 200,000 locations in Missouri have no internet access.

With initial approval in place, the authority now has a year to submit a final proposal, including more detailed service delivery plans.

Part of the mission of the Office of Broadband Development is to address accessibility issues and non-infrastructure barriers that impede full participation in Missouri’s digital economy.

The office works with providers, communities and stakeholders to expand access to reliable internet, which has become a vital service in a world where more and more interactions take place online.

Tanksley said connecting more locations means greater potential economic growth.

“We need to be able to start businesses, educate and do telemedicine,” Tanksley said. “It’s about all Missourians being able to thrive no matter where they live, and in this day and age, having a high-speed internet connection is part of that, no matter where you live in the state.”

For small business owners like Kevin “Butch” Brown, as the owner and operator of an automotive restoration company, this is a critical necessity.

“First of all, 100% of my business requires the internet,” Brown said. “I do auction consulting, which isn’t in that area, so I need a lot of Zoom calls, and I sell classic cars, which requires a solid connection.”

Brown’s company operates in an area designated as “unserviced” and can only operate thanks to a private device installed by a neighbor.

“I’m very happy I did it because I couldn’t do what I do and I probably would have had to relocate,” Brown said.

The primary goal of the BEAD program is to provide reliable internet access to every corner of the state, maximizing its economic potential and enabling more citizens to access the digital environment.

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