By Trish Svoboda

Governor Laura Kelly announced in a release the introduction of Kansas Broadband Ready Communities, a new certification provided by the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) for communities working to enhance high-speed internet accessibility.

This designation equips Kansas communities to improve the competitiveness of their service bids and positions them for future grant opportunities. With the adoption of specific local ordinances, communities can create a foundation for more successful and sustainable broadband deployment projects.

To get certification as a Broadband Ready Community, communities must implement an ordinance that meets the program’s minimum requirements, including:

· Designating a single point of contact

· Committing to a 30-day review process

· Ensuring reasonable filing fees, not to exceed what is allowed in state statute

· Utilizing or transitioning to electronic filing systems

· Prohibiting discrimination in permitting procedures

The KBRC reviews standards every three years to keep up with evolving broadband technology and requirements.