Several broadband providers get federal money for local projects
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The state awarded several internet providers federal funding to help with broadband projects statewide.
Gov. Mike Parson announced this week that 16 projects from eight providers would get more than $3 million through the state's Emergency Broadband Investment Program.
The projects are expected to connect nearly 2,000 Missouri households.
“Expanding broadband is essential to our state’s infrastructure,” Governor Parson said. “Connecting more Missourians with high-speed internet will allow them to utilize digital platforms for education, health, and business that are so critical during this time.”
State officials said the program was designed to reimburse providers that have expanded, or plan to connect, high-speed internet to residents in unserved or underserved areas in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The following eight providers received money:
- AirLink Rural Broadband, LLC
- Barry Technology Services
- Callabyte Technology, LLC
- Chariton Valley Communications
- Higher Vision Works, LLC
- Midwest Data Center, Inc.
- SEMO Electric Cooperative
- Socket Telecom, LLC
Socket received more than $619,00 in order to provide high-speed internet access to an area southwest of Ashland, the south-central portion of Fayette and homes within the Meadowbrook and Verdant Lane neighborhoods in St. Martins.
“Socket is proud to be one of the first recipients of the Emergency Broadband Investment Program,” said Carson Coffman, president and COO of Socket. “Now more than ever, we know how critical it is to provide access high-speed internet service to the community."
Details on the other projects can be found in the document below:
