Kingdom Telephone receives $23 million grant

Some residents in Audrain, Boone, Callaway and Montgomery counties could soon be getting faster internet.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced on Friday that more than $58 million are to be used to bring high-speed internet to rural parts of Missouri.

Kingdom Telephone will get a $23 million grant to install a fiber network.

The department said this will serve 4,491 people, 611 farms and 84 businesses in the four counties.

“High speed internet is crucial for rural Missouri residents and businesses to be competitive and connected to the world,” USDA Missouri Director Kyle Wilkens said. “With high-speed internet, rural communities can thrive in the global community. There will be greater opportunities to attract new businesses, grow existing businesses, and attract new residents.”