Government programs are not known for moving at a rapid pace. Often, work in the public policy sector is laborious and time-consuming, sometimes taking decades to make significant progress. Alternatively, in the private sector, it is well-known that time is money. Efficiency and technology adoption are critical to staying competitive and relevant. However, it’s difficult to keep up in 2024 without access to the basics, like reliable and affordable broadband. Still, many Missourians do not have access to high-speed internet in their homes and businesses.

Unlike previous programs that have inched along over time, the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s Office of Broadband (OBD) is gearing up to help administer funds that will close the digital divide in a big way. In recent years, there have been a multitude of state and federal programs to help support broadband infrastructure all across the state. But now, internet service providers are preparing to apply for Missouri’s portion of the federal Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. The federal government has allocated a whopping $1.7 billion through the BEAD program, with the daunting mission of bringing service to every eligible location in Missouri.

Over the past year, OBD has conducted a robust mapping process, searching for every location in the state to determine whether they are adequately served. It is estimated that nearly 210,000 locations, including homes and businesses, do not have access to high-speed internet and are eligible for BEAD funding. As expected, many of these locations are in less-densely populated, rural areas of our state. The interactive map will be key to determining which locations are eligible for federal funding assistance.

Earlier this year, Missouri Farm Bureau issued a call to action, encouraging all Missourians to check the broadband map and provide on-the-ground feedback about which homes and businesses still lack access to reliable, high-speed broadband. That evidence has now been incorporated; the final map is nearing completion, and internet service providers will begin to apply for BEAD dollars in November. Grant awards are expected to be announced within a year.

So, what does this mean for Missourians who still lack access to broadband, despite all the headlines?

With the aid of federal funding, broadband service providers will be working diligently to reach every unserved eligible location in Missouri within five years. Ultimately, families and businesses don’t care which alphabet-soup government agency or program helped get the service to their door, they just appreciate it when they have access to the same amenities and necessities as their urban counterparts.

Recently, OBD held its third annual “Connecting All Missourians Broadband Stakeholder Summit” at the MOFB home office in Jefferson City. This meeting brought together government agencies, broadband service providers, contractors, non-profits, and others who are all interested in fixing this problem. The group heard from MOFB President Garrett Hawkins, who reminded providers that we are partners, and partners hold each other accountable. That’s why MOFB will continue to show up, speak up, and advocate for Missourians who are being left behind. There are still too many instances of incumbent providers not serving communities well, sometimes even leaving schools and hospitals without sufficient bandwidth. Governor Mike Parson also addressed attendees and doubled down on that message, letting all stakeholders know he intends to keep the promise that all Missourians have internet access within five years. Suffice it to say, our expectations are high.

While the journey to full-connectivity is not over, leaps are being made to reach even the most remote and underserved areas of our state. Long-term, impactful investments are being made to change people’s reality and opportunities will be unlocked. Missourians can view the interactive broadband map and determine whether their location is eligible for funding, eventually learn which internet service provider will be awarded funding for their area, and track overall deployment progress at broadbandmap.mo.gov. The broadband investment Missouri is about to receive is unparalleled, and we are expecting big results.