Missouri

Connecting Missouri through BIP and CMC

The 19 Broadband Infrastructure Program (BIP) funded projects in Missouri are in various stages of construction and pre-construction, with several project areas starting to connect end-users to broadband services. The projects will serve over 13,000 unserved households, 300 businesses, and 30 community anchor institutions across the state of Missouri.

The Lincoln University of Missouri (LU) Connect LU project will provide laptops and hotspots to all Lincoln University students with funding from the Connecting Minority Communities (CMC) Pilot Program. Students will receive extended technology support through the addition of a full-time student technology coordinator. This position will manage the student laptop program and manage extended hours of service for student technology support.

Public Engagement through Listening Sessions

Stakeholder engagement activities designed to create actionable Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program Initial Proposal and Digital Equity plans included: two rounds of statewide listening sessions, visiting 43 towns and cities and hearing from over 1,000 Missourians; monthly stakeholder update calls; and audience-specific stakeholder calls for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Workforce Development providers.

Expanding Internet Access through Middle Mile Network

In June 2023, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure (Middle Mile) Program awarded Missouri Network Alliance LLC (dba Bluebird Network), a grant for $26.4 million. The Missouri Network Alliance project is located within unserved and underserved areas in Missouri. It will deploy 325 miles of fiber across 21 counties to support advancements in new wireless technologies. These routes will eventually bring fiber connectivity to farms, enabling next generation farm devices to be employed across the state.