First steps taken to connect Southeast Missourians to broadband internet

Representatives from the Missouri Office of Broadband Development (OBD) are in an information-gathering stage with two main avenues of focus. One is locating areas of the state with little or no broadband infrastructure. Another is developing plans to help those who live in areas with broadband access, but don't have the necessary means or knowledge to use it. Adam Thorp, community development specialist for OBD, said the office has received state and federal funding for developing the plans for expanding the needed infrastructure such as laying fiber optic cable and coordinating with internet service providers in expanding coverage. Thorp said $250,000 in planning money has been allocated for "digital demonstration projects" to demonstrate successful means of helping people overcome barriers to online access. The results of these projects will determine how much funding the state will receive. One OBD project provides funding to organizations that can employ "digital navigators", or people who will supply information regarding discounted internet service and funding for devices, as well as teach people to use computers and the internet. Additionally, through the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), people can apply for discounts on devices and internet service plans. However, Thorp said only a small portion of the people eligible for ACP have signed up.