The Kansas Affordability Plan

More than 70,000 Kansas households lack broadband access and over 35,000 additional households’ existing service options render them “underserved.” In addition, many of Kansas’ 8,500 community anchor institutions (CAIs) lack gigabit-level broadband service that would better allow them to provide full levels of support to their communities. The Kansans impacted by these service gaps are disproportionately members of what Congress defined in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act as "covered populations." While the primary purpose of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program funds is to expand broadband access, the Kansas Digital Equity team is working to ensure the needs of covered populations are an integral part of BEAD planning, implementation, and follow-up. This approach is aimed at ensuring all Kansans have broadband service and the accompanying tools, knowledge, service, and support to fully participate in today’s increasingly technology-driven society. Progress and partnerships with ISPs will benefit all covered populations, including those in rural areas, those in mostly urban multiple dwelling units (MDUs) with inadequate service, and those served by CAIs with improved service. The Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) recognizes that broadband adoption and affordability efforts are vital aspects of the success of BEAD-supported infrastructure deployment projects. BEAD applicants in Kansas will be asked to demonstrate the affordability of the products and services offered within proposed funding areas, addressing current barriers to broadband access in their project proposals. Applicants are encouraged to partner with housing agencies to leverage programs benefiting MDU residents.