The Office of Broadband Development (OBD) will carry out an extensive public engagement process as it plans for its Connecting All Missourians programs. These programs will be funded under the Digital Equity Act (DEA) and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, both part of the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act (IIJA). It will inform the state’s plans for spending more than $1.7 billion toward broadband deployment and more than $20 million toward addressing non-infrastructure barriers to full participation in the digital world.
For more information about BEAD and DEA, please visit internetforall.gov and broadbandusa.ntia.doc.gov.
Updates, News, and Program Announcements
2023 Missouri Internet Survey
The 2023 Missouri Internet Survey was conducted by the University of Missouri Extension Exceed Program and will assist the Office of Broadband in utilizing forthcoming broadband funding to more effectively bring the benefit of broadband service to all Missourians. To achieve the goal of universal broadband access and bridge the digital divide in Missouri, state and local planners need input from citizens and organizations statewide. The survey results provide valuable insights and benchmark information as historic investments in broadband expansion and digital inclusion efforts begin.
Over 7,500 completed surveys from a random sampling of Missouri households were received during the spring of 2023. The survey sought input from all Missourians and gathered responses from smaller populations whose voices can be underrepresented in surveys and have been disproportionately impacted by digital inequity.
2023 Missouri Internet Survey Final Report
Focus Group Study
A focus group study was conducted by the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Community Innovation and Action Center, in order to understand the broadband needs and challenges of Missourians across the state. In order to better use and distribute funding to achieve digital equity in the state of Missouri, it is necessary to understand the barriers Missouri citizens encounter when accessing broadband and how broadband access, or lack thereof, affects their daily lives. These focus groups, along with other data collection methods, allow for a greater understanding of the issues Missourians are facing when it comes to broadband access.
Focus Group Study Final Report
- Digital Equity Act (DEA)
Help Contribute to the Missouri Digital Asset Map
The Digital Asset Map is a project of the University of Missouri System Broadband Initiative in partnership with the Missouri Department of Economic Development and the Missouri Broadband Resource Rail.
The project aims to provide a comprehensive statewide inventory of public computers and Wi-Fi access locations, as well as resources such as digital literacy programs, computer classes, one-on-one technical assistance centers, and adult/workforce education programs.
Entities offering public internet resources are encouraged to help build the Digital Asset Map by entering basic information that populates a searchable map to help users find nearby digital resources. As more assets are added to the map, MU Extension will help promote the tool to users across the state.
How to Contribute
To contribute, go to Digital Asset Map site. Next, click on the Add/Edit Digital Asset button and fill out the brief form.
The form asks "community anchor institutions" to report available internet speeds. These institutions, such as schools and libraries, help people who would otherwise struggle to get online. The form will help identify locations that may be eligible for federal funds that do not currently have upload and download speeds of at least 1 Gbps.
For questions, contact help@cares.missouri.edu.
Digital Demonstration Projects Grant Program
State awards $250,000 in Digital Equity Act funding through the Digital Demonstration Projects Grant Program
The Department of Economic Development (DED) announced the award of $250,000 through the Digital Demonstration Projects Grant Program. The program, funded through the Digital Equity Act (DEA), is focused on supporting digital opportunities throughout the state. Digital Demonstration Projects will help extend the benefits of the digital economy to all Missourians.
Many Missourians are unable to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the internet for reasons beyond availability of reliable high-speed internet access, which may include lack of familiarity with new technologies, inability to afford an internet-connected device, and the inability to afford internet service.
The Digital Demonstration Project Grant Program is a competitive grant program that will fund projects that allow the State of Missouri to better understand, develop, and implement programming that furthers the goal of digital equity. The results of this Program will inform the Missouri Digital Equity Plan, which must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Commerce to secure future federal funding.
- Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD)
Press Release, June 26, 2023: Missouri to Receive Over $1.7 Billion in Funding through NTIA for Broadband Expansion
BEAD Five-Year Action Plan
The Five-Year Action Plan is a requirement of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The Office of Broadband submitted the final version of the State’s BEAD 5-Year Action Plan to NTIA, the federal agency responsible for the BEAD program, on August 28, 2023. This document provides a high-level outline of how Missouri will invest BEAD funding and other broadband-related resources across the state and highlights the state’s vision, goals, objectives, and strategies to help connect all Missourians to affordable, reliable high-speed internet. The 5-Year plan will inform the state’s BEAD Initial Proposal, which will set the rules governing the BEAD program.
Upcoming Webinars
Broadband Stakeholder Update - September 29, 2023