The Department of Economic Development’s (DED) Office of Broadband Development (OBD) announced today that it has launched the first version of the new Missouri Public Broadband Availability Interactive Map. The map, which uses the Sanborn Map Company’s Broadband Navigator technology, will assist in the investment of $1.7 billion in funding provided by the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program.
“We’re excited to release mapping that will inform the public and private sectors about broadband availability and BEAD program funding,” said BJ Tanksley, Director of the Office of Broadband Development. “This interactive map will play a vital role in collecting feedback from stakeholders during the BEAD challenge process and help prepare for project implementation. We encourage citizens to review the map as we continue working to fulfill our mission of connecting all Missourians.”
The interactive map will assist Missourians during the BEAD challenge process, which will allow for the reporting of locations that lack service and should be eligible for funding. The challenge process is scheduled to open on March 18, 2024, and close on April 19, 2024. To be notified when the challenge process begins, subscribe for email updates from OBD.
“Sanborn’s Broadband Navigator is built for and will help states conduct a fair BEAD state challenge process following NTIA policy,” said Justin Fazzari, Sanborn’s Senior Broadband Strategist and former NTIA policy analyst. “In the case of Missouri, the application will also allow for internet service providers to create project areas during the subgrantee selection process.”
About The Sanborn Map Company
Sanborn’s leadership in the creation of high-quality spatial data began in 1866. Today, Sanborn is at the forefront of spatial data collection and technology innovation and committed to offering clients the best in comprehensive state-of-the-art geospatial solutions tailored to their situation. As one of the largest providers of end-to-end GIS products and services in the U.S., Sanborn offerings include oblique imagery, ortho imagery, lidar, sonar, geophysical survey, and hyperspectral data and mapping, secure data storage and streaming, spatial analytics, custom application development, GIS-IT strategic planning and technical consulting, commercial data and cloud platforms, Sanborn SAAS geospatial solutions, staff augmentation, and GIS program managed services. The Sanborn advantage is to help customers identify the right data and tech, and to create solutions that match their needs, budget, and system requirements.
To learn more about Sanborn, visit sanborn.com.
About the Office of Broadband Development
The Office of Broadband Development (OBD) is focused on addressing broadband availability and non-infrastructure barriers to full participation in the digital economy in Missouri by working with providers, communities, and stakeholders to expand and accelerate broadband deployment across the state. OBD’s Connecting All Missourians initiative includes an extensive public engagement process to inform plans for programs funded by the Digital Equity Act (DEA) and the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, both part of the Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act (IIJA).
To learn more about the Office of Broadband Development or its programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.
About the Missouri Department of Economic Development
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) works to create an environment that encourages economic growth by supporting Missouri’s businesses and diverse industries, strengthening our communities, developing a talented and skilled workforce, and maintaining a high quality of life. As one team built around the customer and driven by data, DED aspires to be the best economic development department in the Midwest. Through its various initiatives, DED is helping create opportunities for Missourians to prosper.
For the latest updates on DED’s current or future programs and initiatives, visit DED’s website.