Map of Kansas will highlight areas lacking broadband access

In a new group effort, headed by the Kansas Farm Bureau, the entire state of Kansas will be mapped to show areas having and lacking broadband access. The map will display broadband accessibility down to the street or even farm road level.

This map will be instrumental in paving the way for universal broadband coverage in Kansas.

"When it comes to the future viability of rural life in Kansas, I can't think of a more important area of work," said Steve Baccus, an Ottawa County grain farmer and president of Kansas Farm Bureau. "This new, comprehensive mapping process is a vital first step toward ensuring a level playing field in farm country."

Kansas hopes to take advantage of federal stimulus dollars to expand broadband access and continue its data collection efforts. Having this map will make the process of determining where to spend the money and finding the underserved areas, significantly easier. 

"In nearly every respect, bringing broadband Internet service to rural areas of Kansas is akin to rural electrification," Baccus continued. "That technology changed life on the farm and broadband access will do the same thing." 

In addition to the Kansas Farm Bureau, Connected Nation, a non-profit concern that facilitates public-private partnerships to increase access and use of broadband and related technology, will help create the map.

Research like this helps allocate funds for broadband wisely making a smart investment in the infrastructure and future of the state. 

KANSAS BROADBAND MAP WILL SHOW WHERE GAPS EXIST (Kansas Farm Bureau)