Gov. Laura Kelly announced $12.9 million in sixth-round Broadband Acceleration Grant awards on Oct. 22, 2026, for broadband infrastructure projects in 44 rural Kansas counties. The Kansas Office of Broadband Development said the grants will be paired with almost $14 million in private and local investment, bringing the announced project total to approximately $27 million. The projects will extend high-speed internet service to underserved homes, businesses and agricultural operations.
What it means
The sixth award round brings total Broadband Acceleration Grant infrastructure investment to nearly $44.6 million. The program is a 10-year effort begun in 2020 and backed by an $85 million dedication for last-mile broadband connectivity in Kansas.
The Kansas Office of Broadband Development, within the Department of Commerce, administers the program. The Kansas Department of Transportation funds it through the Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program, with state transportation money combined with investments from internet service providers and cooperatives. Projects were chosen after executive committee review and a public-comment period.
Key facts
- $12.9 million in Broadband Acceleration Grant awards were announced Oct. 22, 2026.
- Almost $14 million in private and local matching investment brings the project total to approximately $27 million.
- The awards cover projects in 44 rural Kansas counties.
- Blue Valley Technologies Inc. received $1,790,026 for service supporting 154 businesses and homes.
- Home Communications, Inc. received $1,961,020 for 246 businesses and homes, while IdeaTek received $3,723,304 for 657 businesses and homes in 18 counties.
- IdeaTek also received $2,752,385 for middle-mile fiber-optic service in 15 counties.
- Other awardees include ExcellentWireless LLC, GBT Communications, Inc., Rainbow Communications, The Junction Internet, The Southern Kansas Telephone Company, Inc., Twin Valley Communications, Inc. and WTC Communications, Inc.
Source: Office of the Governor of Kansas announcement