Kansas has made available $23 million to improve broadband infrastructure through the Kansas Broadband Acceleration Grant (BAG) program.
Providers will be able to offset capital expenses they need to deploy service in unserved areas of Kansas with state grants of up to $2 million. Applications will be accepted from today, October 3, through the end of the month.
The BAG program is in its fifth year. It was established through the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE). The BAG program is designed to help provide reliable broadband access throughout Kansas, particularly in underserved areas.
“Ensuring that every Kansan has access to high-speed internet is not just about connectivity — it’s about economic mobility and community growth,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said in a prepared statement. “These grants provide long-term, sustainable benefits by fostering innovation, attracting businesses, and supporting and retaining the workforce across the state.”
Kansas has several other related broadband programs:
- Last month, the state announced that applications were being accepted for the second round of the Digital Opportunities to Connect Kansans (DOCK) program. In the second round, $1.95 million in funds will be available for programs designed to enhance the digital skills of state residents. The DOCK program is designed to promote access to digital resources by providing awards to help with funding for digital skills development programs across Kansas. The program supports applicants by reducing the required match with a maximum individual award of $250,000.
- The state is investing $10.4 million to help 18 organizations support Wi-Fi and device distribution initiatives through the Advancing Digital Opportunities to Connect Kansans (ADOPT) program, which included a wide variety of recipients.
More information about Kansas broadband, including links to state funding resources, grants made, BEAD news, state-specific Telecompetitor coverage, and more can be found on Telecompetitor’s Broadband Nation webpage for the state.
