The Broadband Acceleration Grant Program is a critical program in Kansas’ plan to address broadband gaps. The Program is designed to offset the capital expenses in the deployment of broadband to unserved areas. The goal of this program is to facilitate broadband access to all Kansans while promoting practices that increase deployment and encourage adoption.
The Broadband Acceleration Grant program is the first state-funded competitive broadband grant opportunity, focusing on the construction of broadband infrastructure to bring access to high-quality internet service to Kansas homes, businesses, and communities. The need for access to critical broadband infrastructure was significantly magnified in 2020. Demands of remote learning and work, telehealth services, online business and e-government shifts, and day-to-day quality of life implications that demonstrate a compelling need exists in many areas across Kansas.
The program launched in 2020 and is in the process of investing $85 million over ten years toward bridging the digital divide in Kansas. It was created as a direct result of broadband modernization funding provided through the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Eisenhower Legacy Transportation program (IKE) in the 2020 legislative session.
The KOBD is initiating the Broadband Acceleration Grant, Year 5 and Year 6 (BAG 5.0) Program which is a focused effort to improve last mile broadband infrastructure and associated middle mile capabilities as applicable within the State of Kansas. Through this program, applications will be solicited, and grants will be awarded for broadband and associated middle mile infrastructure enabling last mile locations. Funds will be targeted to areas that are unlikely to receive broadband service without state or federal funding support. The sections outlined within this document will describe the solutions being requested, program guidelines and application requirements for enabling unserved locations via new broadband infrastructure.
| Awardee | Grant Amount | Project Amount | Homes/Businesses to be Connected | County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3JL Holdings, LLC | $1,494,288.82 | $2,988,577.64 | 161 | Anderson |
| 3JL Holdings, LLC | $1,382,686.08 | $2,765,372.56 | 124 | Woodson |
| Butler Rural Electric Cooperative Assn, INC dba Velocity | $268,850.00 | $537,700.00 | 20 | Butler |
| Butler Rural Electric Cooperative Assn, INC dba Velocity | $154,750.00 | $309,500.00 | 15 | Sedgwick |
| Butler Rural Electric Cooperative Assn, INC dba Velocity | $74,813.80 | $149,627.59 | 7 | Butler |
| ITC Broadband Operating, LLC | $1,167,891.83 | $2,335,783.66 | 282 | Osage |
| ITC Broadband Operating, LLC | $1,053,701.09 | $2,107,402.17 | 90 | Lyon |
| ITC Broadband Operating, LLC | $509,887.22 | $1,019,774.44 | 72 | Osage |
| The Junction Internet | $314,029.00 | $628,522.00 | 119 | Cherokee |
| Twin Valley Communications, Inc | $249,372.68 | $498,745.36 | 175 | Chautauqua |
The KOBD will provide a collaborative partnership and overall support for BAG 5.0 Program Grantees by offering technical support related to reporting and compliance requirements, and supporting the applicable federal guidelines as listed in the following paragraphs.
In addition to periodic Grantee meetings, KOBD will streamline reporting by providing baseline reporting templates and clear expectations for grantees participating in the program. The monthly reporting includes the following:
KOBD acknowledges that changes in the overall implementation plan may be required once a project begins due to terrain challenges, equipment discontinuations, permitting delays or unforeseen circumstances. Material project changes must be disclosed to KOBD immediately and reported on the monthly report, prior to implementation. Examples of material changes include, but are not limited to, the following:
Upon receipt of material project change notification information, KOBD will review the potential project changes. The changes must be approved by KOBD prior to awardee implementing changes. Changes to the implementation plan without advanced KOBD notification and approval may result in a reduced budget and/or clawback actions. If there is any doubt to materiality of the potential project changes, awardees must engage KOBD to determine materiality. Failure to engage KOBD to determine materiality prior to change implementations may also result in a reduced budget and / or clawback actions. Expenditures incurred without prior approval of KOBD may be deemed unallowable and will not be reimbursed.
Closeout reporting will be required within 45 days of project completion. Project completion and submission of the closeout report are required prior to the final payment. Closeout reporting includes, but not limited to, the following:
Grantee shall create, maintain, and preserve sufficient records to demonstrate their compliance with the requirements of this program. The grantee shall provide all required records to KOBD promptly upon written request. KOBD requests may include, but not be limited to, the following:
The KOBD will require providers to support building and securing telecommunications networks through adherence to applicable federal guidelines:
Investments in Capital Projects must be carried out in ways that comply with applicable federal laws, including the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Among other requirements contained in 2 CFR Part 200, implements certain provisions of the NDAA. It contains prohibitions on the use of grant funds to procure or obtain certain telecommunications and video surveillance services or equipment provided or produced by designated entities, including certain entities owned or controlled by the People’s Republic of China. In addition, 2 CFR 200.471 provides that certain telecommunications and video surveillance costs associated with 2 CFR 200.216 are unallowable
Questions regarding the application process will be accepted from the start of the application window, October 3rd, 2025, to the end of the application window on October 31, 2025, via email to KOBD. KOBD will review all submitted questions and provide a written response as appropriate. Answers will be posted to the KOBD webpage on a weekly basis with a final posting occurring on October 30, 2025. Questions received on October 31, 2025, may or may not be posted publicly prior to the application window closing.
Program guidelines were updated on October 10, 2025, and reflect changes to the Public Comment section on pages 48 through 51. Changes are located in the Public Comments Regarding Service Area with Projects Underway and Public Comments Regarding Service Area with Projects Planned But Not Underway section. View updated program guidelines here.
The Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) has opened the public comment period related to the Broadband Acceleration Grant 5.0 submissions. In efforts to optimize broadband investment in Kansas, promote fiscally responsible practices, and ensure transparency, KOBD is seeking public comment relative to projects requesting funding through the Broadband Acceleration Grant 5.0. The comment period will open on November 10 at 1 p.m. CST and close on November 14, 2025, at 5 pm CST.
Each Broadband Acceleration Grant 5.0 Public Project Proposal and Public Proposed Service Area Map (zip file with .KMZ map(s)) are available for public consumption and comment. This public comment process is intended to allow the public, internet service providers, and interested stakeholders to provide feedback, support, or express concern to KOBD relative to each project seeking investment in broadband infrastructure projects. All comments collected during the public comment period will be posted as part of public disclosure, except for evidence with specific infrastructure assets deemed “proprietary.”
Questions about the public comment may be directed to the KOBD at [email protected].
| Proposed Project | Lead County | Project Folder | Requested Grant Amount | Public Comments Received |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAG5_WTC_SHAWNEE | Shawnee | Public File | $1,025,588.00 | No |
| BAG5+IdeaTek+Sedgwick | Sedgwick | Public File | $1,060,111.00 | Yes |
| BAG5+IdeaTek+CherokeeCounty | Cherokee | Public File | $831,589.75 | Yes |
| BAG5_IdeaTek_Cowley | Cowley | Public File | $362,163.00 | Yes |
| BAG5_IdeaTek_Lyon | Lyon | Public File | $303,386.50 | Yes |
| BAG5_TwinValleyCommunications_Sedan | Chautauqua | Public File | $249,372.68 | No |
| BAG 5.0 – Butler Rural Electric Cooperative Assn Inc.- East McConnell FTTP Build | Sedgwick | Public File | $154,750.00 | No |
| BAG 5.0 – Butler Rural Electric Cooperative Assn Inc – South Douglass FTTP Build | Butler | Public File | $268,850.00 | No |
| BAG 5.0 The Junction Internet Cherokee-Labette | Cherokee | Public File | $314,029.00 | Yes |
| BAG 5.0 – Butler Rural Electric Cooperative Assn Inc – North Butler County FWA Deployment Project | Butler | Public File | $74,813.80 | No |
| BAG 5 ITC Broadband Operating, LLC Inside Allen | Lyon | Public File | $1,053,701.09 | No |
| BAG 5 ITC Broadband Operating, LLC Inside Scranton | Osage | Public File | $509,887.22 | No |
| BAG 5 ITC Broadband Operating, LLC Outside Scranton | Osage | Public File | $1,167,891.83 | No |
| BAG 5.0 3JL SE Kansas 1 | Neosho | Public File | $1,843,581.71 | Yes |
| BAG 5.0 3JL SE Kansas 2 | Neosho | Public File | $1,992,385.09 | Yes |
| Industry Roundtable Recording – 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 9 |
| BAG Office Hours Recording – 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 17 |
| Industry Roundtable Recording – 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 23 |
| BAG Office Hours Recording – 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 30 |
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