With plans to visit 25 to 30 locations across the state, the Kansas Office of Broadband has announced that it will kick off its Kansas Broadband Roadshow with a meeting in Emporia this week. By interacting with numerous Kansans, the broadband staff is seeking to gain a ground level understanding of broadband access and usage across the state. The overall goal of the Roadshow is to use the knowledge gathered to help develop a five year plan for digital equity and access for all Kansas residents.
“Before funds are allocated for broadband support, states are tasked with creating a strategic, thoughtful approach to using the dollars they will receive to bring broadband to underserved communities,” stated Jade Piros de Carvalho, Director of the Office of Broadband Development. “This listening tour will be foundational in the creation and strategic development of a planning document to connect and support all Kansans.”
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce, David Toland, agreed noting, “Now more than ever, reliable broadband is necessary to support employment, lifelong learning, access to essential services and strong family relationships. By listening to diverse communities across the state, we will be able to better address the specific challenges different areas face as we work toward Governor Kelly’s goal of getting every Kansan who wants access connected by 2030.”
The listening tours will consist of both onsite and virtual focus groups. Scheduled public engagement sessions as well as additional dates and locations can be found here.
Roadshow plans include focusing on populations that Kansas believes may need special attention and extra resources to achieve digital equity. These groups include low-income households, aging populations, people with disabilities or language barriers, rural inhabitants, incarcerated individuals, racial and ethnic minorities, and veterans. The Roadshow results will help the Kansas Office of Broadband Development decide where to allocate resources, and which government funding opportunities are available.
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