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Governor Laura Kelly announced that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has approved Kansas’ $166.6 million plan to expand high-speed internet through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The funding will help connect 26,673 households and businesses across the state.

Kansas’ plan, updated to meet new NTIA rules, includes a fair process for selecting 14 subgrantees from competitive bids to build the network. The project combines $61.3 million in private contributions and reduces the federal cost by 63%. Technology solutions include fiber (30%), fixed wireless (67%), and satellite service (3%), with an average cost of $6,791 per location.

The next steps include finalizing subgrantee contracts, ensuring oversight and compliance, and providing technical support. Construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2026.