Applications will open next week in Kansas’ $10.7 million Advancing Digital Opportunities to Promote Technology (ADOPT) program.
The ADOPT program focuses on equipment distribution and public Wi-Fi throughout Kansas. The equipment element has a maximum individual award of $500,000 and requires a 2% match and 1% co-investment. The public Wi-Fi element has a maximum award of $1 million and requires a 5% match and 2% co-investment
The Kansas Office of Broadband Division (KOBD) is coordinating the ADOPT program.
The equipment distribution element of the ADOPT focuses on procurement, distribution, management and maintenance of devices to help people who cannot connect to the Internet. The emphasis is on long-term loans of computers, laptops and tablets. The Wi-Fi component of ADOPT encourages partnerships to provide services to underserved and unserved public spaces throughout Kansas.
“The ADOPT program has an immediate impact on Kansans. We are able to remove technological barriers and provide tools necessary to navigate today’s digital environment,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said in the announcement.
“Through access to devices and public wi-fi, individuals can enhance job skills, participate in telehealth appointments, engage in online learning, and do remote work, furthering their ability to succeed in the future economy.”
KOBD will hold a webinar on Wednesday, December 11 to discuss funding priorities and application guidelines.
KOBD also is involved in Kansas’ BEAD funding. It opened the application process for the program on October 21. The state is allocating $451.7 million to the goal of bringing Internet service to all residents of the state. Earlier in the month — when the application date was announced — Governor Laura Kelly said that the goal is for Kansas to be one of the nation’s top ten for broadband.
Additional information about Kansas broadband, including state funding resources, awards made, the ADOPT program, and state-specific coverage, can be found on the Telecompetitor Broadband Nation webpage for the state.
