Kansas Broadband Expansion: How BEAD Funding is Bridging the Digital Divide - ETI
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January 29, 2025

Kansas Broadband Expansion: How BEAD Funding is Bridging the Digital Divide

The following summary has been condensed for length and readability. To listen to the full discussion, click here. This episode is sponsored by ETI Software and VETRO FiberMap.

In an episode of The Broadband Bunch, recorded live from Broadband Communities West at the San Diego Convention Center, host Brad Hine sits down with Joseph Le to discuss the state of broadband deployment in Kansas, the latest funding opportunities, and how stakeholders can get involved in expanding connectivity across the state.

With major federal programs like the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program offering unprecedented funding for broadband expansion, Kansas is taking proactive steps to ensure that communities, businesses, and residents have access to high-speed internet. In this discussion, Joe provides insights into Kansas’s broadband strategy, the BEAD funding process, and the impact broadband expansion will have on the state’s digital landscape.

Kansas’s Commitment to Expanding Broadband

The Kansas Department of Commerce (KDC) has been leading the charge in broadband expansion efforts across the state. Their goal is to ensure that every Kansas resident—regardless of location—has access to fast, reliable, and affordable internet.

Joe explains that broadband connectivity is no longer just about rural areas but also about improving urban and suburban networks, ensuring they are robust enough to meet future demands. As work, education, and healthcare increasingly shift to digital platforms, broadband access is essential to economic and social progress.

Challenges in Achieving Universal Broadband Access

While the vision is clear, Kansas faces several challenges in achieving widespread broadband coverage:

  • Geographical Barriers: Kansas has vast rural areas where deploying fiber or other broadband infrastructure is costly and logistically difficult.
  • Affordability: Even where broadband is available, cost remains a barrier for some households.
  • Infrastructure Modernization: Many areas require significant upgrades to their existing broadband networks.
  • Coordination Across Stakeholders: Effective broadband expansion requires collaboration between state agencies, ISPs, local governments, and federal programs.

Despite these challenges, Kansas is making steady progress, and the BEAD program is playing a crucial role in accelerating broadband deployment.

Understanding the BEAD Program and How It Supports Kansas

Kansas has been proactive in preparing for BEAD funding, ensuring that eligible entities can apply for grants and participate in broadband expansion efforts. Joe shares insights into the Kansas BEAD application portal, which allows ISPs, municipalities, and other stakeholders to apply for funding to support broadband projects.

The Kansas Department of Commerce is committed to maximizing BEAD funding to ensure it reaches the communities that need it most, improving connectivity for businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Why Broadband Access Matters: Key Areas of Impact

1. Economic Development and Job Growth

One of the biggest reasons for prioritizing broadband expansion is its impact on economic growth. Joe highlights how reliable internet access enables businesses to operate more efficiently, expand into new markets, and support remote work opportunities.

  • Small Business Growth: Many small businesses rely on e-commerce and digital tools to reach customers.
  • Remote Work & Digital Jobs: Broadband access allows workers in rural areas to tap into remote job opportunities.
  • Attracting New Businesses: High-speed internet is a key factor for companies looking to establish operations in a region.

2. Enhancing Educational Opportunities

With the rise of remote learning and digital education tools, broadband access is critical for students and educators.

  • Bridging the Homework Gap: Many students in rural areas struggle with internet access, making it difficult to complete assignments or attend virtual classes.
  • Expanding Digital Learning Tools: High-speed internet enables schools to provide interactive and technology-driven education.
  • Support for Higher Education: Universities and colleges increasingly rely on online learning platforms, making broadband essential for success.

3. Improving Telehealth and Healthcare Services

Healthcare is another sector that benefits immensely from broadband expansion, particularly in rural areas where medical facilities may be limited.

  • Telehealth Services: Patients can consult with doctors online, reducing the need for long travel distances.
  • Remote Patient Monitoring: Broadband enables wearable health devices and remote diagnostics to improve patient care.
  • Access to Medical Resources: Rural hospitals and clinics can connect to larger medical networks, improving treatment options.

4. Strengthening Communities and Public Services

Beyond business, education, and healthcare, broadband also enhances government services and community engagement. Joe emphasizes how broadband improves:

  • Public Safety Communications – First responders need reliable networks for emergency response coordination.
  • Government Digital Services – Many state and local government services are moving online for better accessibility.
  • Community Development Initiatives – Broadband allows communities to grow, innovate, and stay connected.

How to Get Involved in Kansas Broadband Expansion

Who Can Apply for BEAD Funding?

The Kansas BEAD program is open to a variety of eligible entities, including:

  • Internet Service Providers (ISPs) – Expanding or upgrading broadband networks.
  • Local Governments – Municipalities looking to improve digital infrastructure.
  • Tribal Organizations – Ensuring broadband access in Native American communities.
  • Non-Profits & Educational Institutions – Supporting broadband adoption and digital literacy programs.

Joe urges all eligible parties to explore available funding and submit applications through the Kansas BEAD application portal.

Next Steps for Broadband Advocates

  • Stay Informed: Follow updates from the Kansas Department of Commerce on broadband initiatives.
  • Apply for Funding: If you’re an eligible entity, consider applying for BEAD support.
  • Engage with Policy Leaders: Encourage local and state leaders to prioritize broadband expansion.
  • Support Digital Equity Efforts: Help advocate for affordable broadband and community digital literacy programs.

The Future of Kansas Broadband

Kansas is making significant progress in broadband expansion, and with BEAD funding, the state has a unique opportunity to bridge the digital divide like never before.

Through collaborative efforts between government agencies, private ISPs, and local communities, Kansas is poised to become a leader in broadband accessibility and innovation.

 

© 2025 Enhanced Telecommunications.

About the Author

Brad Hine - Director, Partner/Channel Development

With over 16 years in the telecom software industry, Brad Hine specializes in product management, sales and channel development.  He is currently the Director of Partner Development at ETI Software Solutions, out of Atlanta, GA.  Brad’s demonstrated experience is in BSS/OSS solutions, geospatial strategy for telecoms and combining them to create operational efficiency through real-time, data-driven dashboards.  He has been a frequent conference speaker for the Fiber Broadband Association and Broadband Communities Summit and is a host of The Broadband Bunch, a podcast about broadband and how it impacts our communities. He is an alumnus of the University of Georgia.