Missouri Broadband Availability Challenge Process now open until April 23

Missouri Broadband Availability Challenge Process now open until April 23

March 25th, 2024

The Missouri Broadband Availability Challenge Process, announced by the Department of Economic Development’s Office of Broadband Development (OBD), marks a significant stride towards expanding internet access across the state. With $1.7 billion in funding from the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, Governor Mike Parson emphasizes the historic opportunity to enhance broadband infrastructure, aiming to connect more Missourians than ever before. This initiative invites public participation, encouraging stakeholders to challenge the accuracy of the Missouri Broadband Availability Map to ensure efficient allocation of resources and foster widespread access to quality, high-speed internet. OBD Director BJ Tanksley stresses the importance of public input in refining the map's accuracy, urging providers and community entities to register through the challenge portal before the April 23 deadline.

The Office of Broadband Development is spearheading efforts to bridge the digital divide in Missouri through collaborative endeavors with providers, communities, and stakeholders. Under its Connecting All Missourians initiative, OBD is dedicated to accelerating broadband deployment and addressing barriers to digital inclusion. By leveraging resources from programs like the Digital Equity Act (DEA) and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, OBD aims to facilitate widespread internet access, crucial for full participation in the digital economy. Interested parties can access the Missouri Broadband Availability Map and detailed information about the challenge process through dedicated online resources provided by OBD, signaling a pivotal moment in advancing broadband expansion efforts across the state.

Read Missouri Department of Economic Development's announcement here.