Citing the need for strong connectivity in emergency situations, Missouri’s Department of Economic Development has announced that it will award funds to numerous organizations poised to deploy broadband across the state. The funding includes $12 million in American Rescue Plan Act monies that will be used to construct new cell towers.
As KOMU-TV reports, 29 different projects will see 29 individual cell towers that will focus on 911 call connectivity for approximately 17,000 currently underserved Missourians. The projects are all part of the state’s Cell Towers Grants Program.
“It really is about emergency connectivity. In an emergency, what do we all reach for? Our phones,” noted BJ Tanksley, Director of the Office of Broadband Development. “You have to make sure you have coverage whether you are on a road, or at home.”
Providers who have been awarded grant money include Branch Towers VI LLC, USCOC of Greater Missouri, LLC and New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC. Branch Towers will receive $3 million for its broadband outreach efforts, with USCOC and New Cingular each receiving $5.8 million in funding.
Upon the project’s completion, a person in a remote location should be able to quickly summon emergency services. The responding ambulance can then maintain a connection with a hospital so that appropriate help is waiting for the arriving patient.
“Having the ability to wirelessly transmit data and patient information to the hospitals expedites care when the patient actually arrives there,” Cole County EMS Chief Eric Hoy told KOMU-TV.
Providers can submit applications up until a November 10 deadline for the next round of awards. Decisions are expected to be announced by the end of the year, with the expectation that projects will be completed within the following 18 months, according to KOMU-TV.
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