Press Release
TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that $6.7 million has been awarded to five Internet Service Providers through the latest round of the Broadband Acceleration Grant program. These awards will be matched with an additional $6.7 million in private and local investment, resulting in $13.4 million to expand high-speed internet access across eight rural Kansas counties.
Together, these projects will deliver reliable service to approximately 1,068 households and businesses, many located in some of the state’s most underserved and hardest-to-reach areas.
“As Kansas continues the pursuit to be a top 10 state for high-speed internet access, these investments provide critical opportunities regardless of zip code or economic status,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Broadband investment in Kansas continues to break down barriers for businesses, educational institutions, and health care providers — elevating the entire state toward a more connected future.”
Introduced in 2020, the Broadband Acceleration Grant is a 10-year, $85 million program designed to bring essential internet access to Kansas communities in every corner of the state.
Administered by the Kansas Office of Broadband Development and funded through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), this latest round of grants brings the program’s total investment for broadband infrastructure to nearly $70 million.
“This program embodies the forward-looking spirit of Kansans by investing in essential infrastructure and setting up future generations for success,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “With critical support from the Kansas Legislature and KDOT, we are creating opportunities for Kansans to open businesses, amplify job skills, work remotely, connect with loved ones, visit healthcare providers and more — all from the comfort of their rural Kansas community. This is how Kansas retains its most valuable resource – talent.”
Projects were selected following a thorough review process by an executive committee and a public comment period. Community feedback plays a key role in ensuring transparency and local input in each funding decision.
“Reliable connectivity supports how today’s transportation system operates, from freight tracking to emergency response coordination,” Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed said. “KDOT supports these investments because broadband is infrastructure Kansans depend on every day.”
The Kansas Office of Broadband anticipates opening additional rounds of funding in January 2026.
Round five Broadband Acceleration Grant awardees:
- Butler Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Inc., dba Velocity, Butler County –$268,850 to support 20 homes and businesses
- Butler Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Inc., dba Velocity, Butler County –$74,813 to support 7 homes and businesses
- Butler Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Inc., dba Velocity, Sedgwick County – $154,750 to support 15 homes and businesses
- ITC Broadband Operating, LLC, Lyon County – $1,053,701 to support 93 homes and businesses
- ITC Broadband Operating, LLC, Osage County – $1,167,891 to support 282 homes and businesses
- ITC Broadband Operating, LLC, Osage County – $509,887 to support 72 homes and businesses
- The Junction Internet, Cherokee County – $314,493 to support 119 homes and businesses
- Twin Valley Communications, Inc., Chautauqua County – $249,372 to support 175 homes and businesses
- 3JL Holdings, LLC, Anderson County – $1,494,288 to support 161 homes and businesses
- 3JL Holdings, LLC, Woodson County – $1,382,686 to support 124 homes and businesses
About the Kansas Office of Broadband Development:
Established in 2020 by Governor Laura Kelly through Executive Order, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) is committed to ensuring all Kansans have the opportunity to live, work, learn and compete in a digital economy. KOBD accomplishes this by administering state and federal funding to support critical broadband infrastructure and expand access to high-speed internet. These efforts help enhance workforce readiness, education, digital opportunities and economic development across the state.
