More than 1 million Missourians lack internet but the issue in Columbia is reliability

About 20% of Missouri -- around 1.26 million people -- don't have access to high-speed internet, according to University of Missouri Extension research. But even those who have access to the internet may not have quality or reliable service. Extension Vice Chancellor Marshall Stewart said access is only part of the picture: "It’s one thing to be connected, it’s another thing to have the bandwidth that you need and then it’s another thing to know how to use it." A 2014 report by consulting firm Magellan identifies that Columbia lacks widespread, reliable and affordable broadband internet, where 87% of Columbia businesses report their internet service is insufficient. The report suggests a solution: an integrated community broadband network. In order to form the community broadband network, the report recommends creating an open-access network that would act as a public utility. Under this plan, the city would install fiber lines that broadband providers would lease at customers' request. "Open access will promote competition by allowing users to access multiple providers over Columbia's network; increasing choice and creating greater price competition among service providers," the report states. However, the plan was never put into action because city leaders could not agree on it. Calls to restart the committee are growing.