State awards $261 million through Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program; Socket to receive more than $2.5 million
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Gov. Mike Parson announced in a Monday press release that the Department of Economic Development awarded $261 million through the American Rescue Plan Act Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program to 60 recipients for projects.
It is expected to help expand and improve internet access statewide. Socket Telecom, LLC, in Columbia received $2,557,930.
The ARPA Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program was launched August 2022 to invest in broadband expansion. The program prioritized unserved and underserved areas. Funds will be used to build new connections that will deliver symmetrical speeds of 100 Mbps upload / 100 Mbps download or greater.