Governor Kelly Unveils New Designation for Kansas Cities Improving High-Speed Internet

Governor Laura Kelly (D-KS) announced the launch of Kansas Broadband Ready Communities, a new certification from the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) for communities working to improve access to high-speed internet. With the Kansas Broadband Ready Communities designation, Kansas communities will be prepared to make their bids for service more competitive and be ready for future grant opportunities. By adopting specific local ordinances ahead of time, communities can ensure more successful and sustainable broadband deployment projects. Communities seeking certification as a Broadband Ready Community must adopt an ordinance that aligns with the program’s minimum requirements, including:

• Designating a single point of contact
• Committing to a 30-day review process
• Ensuring reasonable filing fees, not to exceed what is allowed in state statute
• Utilizing or transitioning to electronic filing systems
• Prohibiting discrimination in permitting procedures